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Skin is the body’s largest organ and it functions as part of the integumentary system, which works to protect the body from different kinds of damage. Your skin shields you from environmental elements, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, weather conditions, and microbes. Skin also contains nerves that allow us to access sensations like touch, heat, and cold. There are three main layers of skin that offer all of these amazing protections and more. Keep reading Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center’s guide to the layers of skin and their functions. 1. The EpidermisThe epidermis is the water-resistant outer layer of skin and the body’s first line of defense against environmental elements, ultraviolet radiation, bacteria, and other germs. It’s made up of 4-5 sublayers of closely packed cells. The epidermis is responsible for the cell renewal cycle: dead skin cells slough off the stratum corneum (the superficial sublayer of skin visible to the eye) and are replaced with new, healthy cells that generate within deeper sublayers of the epidermis. The epidermis also includes your pores, which allow oil and dirt to escape your body. The epidermis contains several specialized cells, including:
2. The DermisThe dermis is the layer of skin under the epidermis. This layer of skin contains connective tissues and houses your body’s hair follicles, sweat and oil glands, and blood vessels. The dermis also contain nerve endings that are responsible for sending messages to the brain when you burn your hand on a hot stove or feel an itch at the back of your neck. Blood vessels located in the dermis help supply your skin with fresh blood carrying the oxygen and nutrients it needs to be healthy. Within its connective tissues, the dermis produces two important proteins:
3. The HypodermisThe hypodermis is made of subcutaneous (under the skin) fats, connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerve cells. It’s the layer of skin where fat is deposited and stored. The blood vessels in the hypodermis are bigger and connect to the rest of your body. Stored fat helps regulate body tissue and cushion your body’s internal organs against bumps, hard impact, and falls. The tissue in the hypodermis produces one important cell:
At Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers, our medical professionals are experts in the field of hair, skin, and nails. We provide a range of services in general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and Mohs skin cancer surgery. Contact one of our office locations today to schedule a consultation. As the body’s largest organ, skin protects against germs, regulates body temperature and enables touch (tactile) sensations. The skin’s main layers include the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis and is prone to many problems, including skin cancer, acne, wrinkles and rashes.
OverviewThe three layers of skin on top of muscle tissue.What is the skin?The skin is the body’s largest organ, made of water, protein, fats and minerals. Your skin protects your body from germs and regulates body temperature. Nerves in the skin help you feel sensations like hot and cold. Your skin, along with your hair, nails, oil glands and sweat glands, is part of the integumentary (in-TEG-you-MEINT-a-ree) system. “Integumentary” means a body’s outer covering. AnatomyWhat are the layers of the skin?Three layers of tissue make up the skin:
What does the epidermis (top layer of skin) do?Your epidermis is the top layer of the skin that you can see and touch. Keratin, a protein inside skin cells, makes up the skin cells and, along with other proteins, sticks together to form this layer. The epidermis:
What does the dermis (middle layer of skin) do?The dermis makes up 90% of skin’s thickness. This middle layer of skin:
What does the hypodermis (bottom layer of skin) do?The bottom layer of skin, or hypodermis, is the fatty layer. The hypodermis:
What else makes up the skin?One inch of your skin has approximately 19 million skin cells and 60,000 melanocytes (cells that make melanin or skin pigment). It also contains 1,000 nerve endings and 20 blood vessels. CareHow can I protect my skin?You lose collagen and elastin as you age. This causes the skin’s middle layer (dermis) to get thinner. As a result, the skin may sag and develop wrinkles. While you can’t stop the aging process, these actions can help maintain healthier skin:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen should I talk to a doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
A note from Cleveland Clinic As the body’s largest organ, your skin plays a vital role in protecting your body from germs and the elements. It keeps your body at a comfortable temperature, and nerves beneath the skin provide the sense of touch. This external body covering can have serious problems like skin cancer, as well as more common issues like acne and skin rashes. Your healthcare provider can offer tips to help keep skin healthy. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhat are 3 main parts of skin?Three layers of tissue make up the skin: Epidermis, the top layer. Dermis, the middle layer. Hypodermis, the bottom or fatty layer.
What are the 3 layers of skin and their functions?The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone. The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.
What are the 3 layers of skin in the integumentary system?The skin is primarily made up of three layers. The upper layer is the epidermis, the layer below the epidermis is the dermis, and the third and deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue.
What are the 3 layers of the epidermis?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.. |