Overview
Do you know? The total area of the skin in an average adult is roughly 2 square meters and is approximately 20% of the body weight.
The skin refers – the body’s largest organ, made of water (universal solvent), protein, fats as well as minerals. The skin shields body from germs and regulates body temperature. Nerves in the skin help feel sensations – for instance – hot and cold.
Skin, along with hair, nails, oil glands as well as sweat glands, is portion of the integumentary (in-TEG-you-MEINT-a-ree) system. The term Integumentary means a body’s outer covering.
What are the layers of the skin?
Three distinct layers of tissue which make up the skin:
- Epidermis, (or the top layer).
- Dermis, (or the middle layer).
- Hypodermis, (or the bottom or fatty layer).
Role Of Epidermis (top layer of skin)
Epidermis refers – to the top layer of the skin that one can see as well as touch. Keratin, refers a protein inside skin cells, makes up the skin cells and, along with other proteins, adheres together to form this layer.
The epidermis:
- Acts as a protective barrier: The epidermis keeps bacteria and germs from entering body and bloodstream and causing infections. It also shields against rain, sun and other elements.
- Makes new skin: The epidermis continually makes new skin cells. These new cells substitute the roughly 40,000 old skin cells that body sheds every day. Individual has new skin every 30 days.
- Shields body: Langerhans cells in the epidermis are portion of the body’s immune system. They help combat/tackle germs and infections.
- Imparts Skin Colour: The epidermis comprises – melanin, the pigment that imparts skin its color. The quantity of melanin influences the color of skin, hair and eyes. Individuals who produce excess melanin have darker skin and may tan more promptly.
Function of the dermis (middle layer of skin)
The dermis makes up 90% of skin’s thickness. This middle layer of skin:
Has collagen and elastin: Collagen is a protein that makes skin cells strong and resilient. Another protein found in the dermis, elastin, keeps skin flexible. It also helps stretched skin regain its shape.
Grows hair: The roots of hair follicles attach to the dermis.
Keeps you in touch: Nerves in the dermis tell you when something is too hot to touch, itchy or super soft. These nerve receptors also help you feel pain.
Makes oil: Oil glands in the dermis help keep the skin soft and smooth. Oil also prevents skin from absorbing excess water when you swim or get caught in a rainstorm.
Produces sweat: Sweat glands in the dermis release sweat through skin pores. Sweat helps regulate body temperature.
Supplies blood: Blood vessels in the dermis supply nutrients to the epidermis, keeping the skin layers healthy.
Role of hypodermis (bottom layer of skin)
The bottom layer of skin, (or hypodermis), is the fatty layer. The hypodermis:
Cushions muscles as well as bones: Fat in the hypodermis shields muscles and bones from injuries when a person falls or meets with an accident.
Has connective tissue: This tissue connects layers of skin to muscles and bones.
Helps the nerves and blood vessels: Nerves and blood vessels in the dermis (or middle layer) get larger in the hypodermis. These nerves and blood vessels branch out to connect the hypodermis to the rest of the body.
Regulates body temperature: Fat in the hypodermis keeps an individual from catching cold or hot.
Conditions and Disorders affecting the skin
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