Your Skin Part One (1)

Image via WikipediaThickness of layer varies - the thinnest layer is on our eyelids making them light and flexible, the thickest is on our hands and feet for gripping.


1. Top layer - Epidermis


It is made up of 5 layers: Stratum Corneum - horny layer, Stratum lucidum - clear layer, Stratum granulosum - granular layer, Stratum spinosum - spiny layer - prickle cell, melanin production, and Stratum Germinativum - basal Layer- where the cells divide and grow upwards.Each of these layers has their own layers. The Stratum spinosum gives skin its color. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, composed of terminally differentiated stratified squamous epithelium, acting as the body's major barrier against an inhospitable environment. It is the thinnest on the eyelids at .05 mm and the thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm. 



2. Middle layer - Dermis 


It is made up of: Blood vessels (supply nutrients to the skin), Lymph vessels (defence mechanism for the immune system), Hair follicles (protection and sebum production), Sweat glands (regulators of heat), and Pain and touch receptors (carry impulses to the brain). The dermis, or corium, is the thick, relatively soft inner most tissue of the skin. It shields and repairs injured tissues and is about four times thicker than the epidermis. Thedermis consists mainly of protein collagen, which builds scar tissue to mend cuts and abrasions. The dermis nourishes the epidermis and contains nerve endings and blood vessels, and may contain some fatty tissue. The bases of hairs are also located in the dermis. Underneath the dermis is the hypodermis, which is a fatty subcutaneous layer.


A. The dermal papillae are small, nipple-like protrusions of the dermis that reach into the epidermis, bringing food and oxygen to the lower layers of epidermal cells. In addition, a papilla nourishes every hair follicle. Rows of papillae protruding from the dermis into the epidermis form ridges that create patterns on the skin of the hands, feet, and body. These papillary ridges on the fingertips are responsible for fingerprints. These ridges develop sometime before birth. Not only is the pattern unique for each individual, but also it never changes except to grow larger.


3..Bottom layer - Subcutaneous or hypodermis

Model Credit to Pilar W.

 These are fat cells that conserve body heat while protecting other organs from injury. They provide a cushioning effect and are a source of energy in lean times. The hypodermis is a fatty subcutaneous tissue below the dermis. This tissue is rich in fat and blood vessels. The fat cells serve as a cache of energy and are consumed when nutrients run short in the blood stream. Subcutaneous tissue also cushions the muscles, bones, and organs against shocks and shields the body from cold.


The Functions of Skin 
This skin provides a protective layer for organs and tissues from pathogens, heat and light. It regulates body temperature. It stores water, fat and Vitamin D and has touch receptors that sense pain or pleasure. Skin is an excretory and absorption organ. Skin has a natural moisturising factor (NMF). Teen skin is prone to oiliness as hormones are regulating. At 20-30 years skin cell turnover provides optimum condition. At 30-40 years cell turnover starts to decrease and fine lines start to appear. At 40-50 years skin becomes more dry. Over 50 years of age, cell turnover drops by 50% resulting in flaky patches and deeper lines. 


Information researched 

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