Imaging of sebaceous glands of human skin by three-dimensional ultrasound microscopy and its relation to elasticity

The Structure of Human Sebaceous Glands and Its Relation to Skin Viscoelasticity

High-frequency ultrasound has realized high-resolution observation of deep part of the dermis in vivo. The size of sebaceous glands was evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound microscopy with the ultrasonic frequency of 120 MHz. The viscoelasticity of the same regions was measured by well-established biomechanical equipment. There was no significant difference between the size of sebaceous glands in cheek and forearm. The skin's ability to recover to its initial position after deformation was significantly higher in forearm than in cheek. Both sizes of sebaceous glands in cheek and forearm were positively correlated with the parameter of viscoelasticity. The size of the sebaceous glands in the deep part of the dermis can be a parameter of skin viscoelasticity. High-frequency ultrasound imaging contributes to the evaluation of human skin morphology as well as functions.

Relation between morphology of sebaceous glands inside human skin and viscoelastic properties

Three-dimensional ultrasound microscopy with the central frequency of 120 MHz made it possible to observe in vivo sebaceous glands at the deep part of the dermis at microscopic level. The deformation displacements were measured by an established testing device, and the viscoelasticity was estimated from the measured displacements and Voigt model. The occupancy, density or average size of sebaceous glands was compared with the viscoleasticity. There were three major findings in the comparisons. First, the occupancy of sebaceous gland showed negative correlation with the elasticity. Second, the density of sebaceous glands showed positive correlation with the viscosity. Third, the average size of sebaceous glands showed negative correlation with the viscosity. In conclusion, viscoelastic property of human skin is strongly influenced by the morphology of the sebaceous glands.