It is a mixture of secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands. The proportion of A alleles (dry-type earwax) in each population is represented by the white area in each circle.Ĭerumen is produced in the cartilaginous outer third portion of the ear canal. Main article: ABCC11 Earwax in ear Dry-type human earwax World map of the distribution of the A allele of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs17822931 in the ABCC11 gene associated with dry-type earwax. Įxcess or compacted cerumen is the buildup of ear wax causing a blockage in the ear canal and it can press against the eardrum or block the outside ear canal or hearing aids, potentially causing hearing loss. Earwax also contains dead skin cells and hair. The chemical composition of earwax includes long chain fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated, alcohols, squalene, and cholesterol.

Both components are made by glands located in the outer ear canal. Major components of earwax include cerumen, produced by a type of modified sweat gland, and sebum, an oily substance. Earwax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against bacteria, fungi, particulate matter, and water. Earwax can be many colors, including brown, orange, red, yellowish, and gray.

Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals.

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