Skin is the first visible part of the body that catches the human eye, stretching from head to toe. Deservingly, it holds the title of the largest organ in the human body. Acting as a barrier between the external environment and internal organ systems, your skin is your body’s first line of defense.
What lies beneath?
Three layers of tissue stack up to form your skin.
- Top layer: The epidermis, which is the visible layer of the skin.
- Middle layer: The dermis, located just beneath the epidermis.
- Bottom layer: The hypodermis, often referred to as the fatty layer.
Now, that’s Skin 101 for the curious minds!
When it comes to function, each layer of the skin serves a unique and important role.
Epidermis
The first layer, which you see and touch, contains a protein called keratin, a key component of skin cells.
What does epidermis do?
- Acts as a protective shield: It blocks bacteria and germs from entering the body.
- Renews itself: The epidermis sheds around 40,000 dead cells daily, replacing them with fresh new ones.
- Defends your immunity: Special cells called Langerhans cells combat germs and infections.
- Provides pigmentation: Melanin, a pigment found in this layer, determines your skin, hair, and eye color.
Dermis
This middle layer forms the bulk of your skin, offering structural support to the epidermis. It contains two essential proteins:
- Collagen: Responsible for skin strength and durability.
- Elastin: Provides skin its flexibility and elasticity.
What does the dermis house?
- Hair follicles: The roots where hair grows.
- Nerve receptors: To sense touch, temperature, and pain.
- Oil glands: Keep the skin moisturized.
- Sweat glands: Help regulate body temperature.
Too much anatomy for a newbie! Phewww! Let’s wrap up with the last layer, that’s hypodermis!
Hypodermis
The hypodermis is the innermost layer of the skin, also called the subcutaneous layer.
What does the hypodermis do?
- Cushions muscles and bones: Acts as a protective layer.
- Bridges layers: Connects the skin to muscles and bones using connective tissue.
- Regulates temperature: Stores fat to maintain body heat.
And there you have it – a crash course on your skin!