What is another name for the unit of hair and sebaceous glands?

The term "Pilosebaceous Unit" refers specifically to the structure that includes a hair follicle along with its associated sebaceous (oil) gland and the arrector pili muscle. This unit is critical in the physiology of hair and skin because the sebaceous gland plays a role in lubricating the hair and providing a protective barrier for the skin. By understanding this term, one can appreciate how hair growth and skin health are interconnected through the functions of the Pilosebaceous Unit.

In contrast, the Dermal Papilla is a structure located at the base of the hair follicle that contains blood vessels and nerve endings, contributing to hair growth but not encompassing the oil gland. The term "Sebaceous Gland Unit" is not widely used in dermatological terminology and therefore lacks the recognition of the more established terms. Similarly, the "Follicular Unit" primarily describes the hair follicle and the surrounding tissues, but it does not specifically highlight the relationship with sebaceous glands. Thus, the Pilosebaceous Unit is the most accurate name for this combined structure.