Accessory structures of the skin include hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands that serve various functions such as protection, temperature regulation, and sensory input. These structures originate from the epidermis but extend into the dermis layer.
Related terms
Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, providing a waterproof barrier and creating our skin tone.
Dermis: The layer beneath the epidermis that contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
Sebaceous Glands: Glands located in the skin that secrete an oily substance called sebum to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair