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Anatomy of the Skin

Anatomy of the skin
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Facts about the skin

The skin is the body's largest organ. It covers the entire body. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection. The skin also:

  • Regulates body temperature

  • Stores water and fat

  • Is a sensory organ

  • Prevents water loss

  • Prevents entry of bacteria

  • Acts as a barrier between the organism and its environment

  • Helps to make vitamin D when exposed to the sun

Your skin takes on different thickness, color, and texture all over your body. For example, your head contains more hair follicles than anywhere else. But the soles of your feet have none. In addition, the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands are much thicker than skin on other areas of your body.

The skin is made up of 3 layers. Each layer has certain functions:

  • Epidermis

  • Dermis

  • Subcutaneous fat layer (hypodermis)

Epidermis

The epidermis is the thin outer layer of the skin. It consists of 3 types of cells:

  • Squamous cells. The outermost layer is continuously shed is called the stratum corneum.

  • Basal cells. Basal cells are found just under the squamous cells, at the base of the epidermis.

  • Melanocytes. Melanocytes are also found at the base of the epidermis and make melanin. This gives the skin its color.

Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin. The dermis contains the following:

  • Blood vessels

  • Lymph vessels

  • Hair follicles

  • Sweat glands

  • Collagen bundles

  • Fibroblasts

  • Nerves

  • Sebaceous glands

The dermis is held together by a protein called collagen. This layer gives skin flexibility and strength. The dermis also contains pain and touch receptors.

Subcutaneous fat layer

The subcutaneous fat layer is the deepest layer of skin. It consists of a network of collagen and fat cells. It helps conserve the body's heat and protects the body from injury by acting as a shock absorber.
Online Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2019
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