Human body skin and its functions

| Medical | 10th October 2020

IMPORTANCE OF SKIN

The skin is the largest body organ. It is essential for thermoregulation, prevention of fluid loss by evaporation, barrier against infection and protection against the environment. It contains 3 layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

Epidermis is the outermost layer, composed of cornified epitelial cells. The outer surface cells are dead and sloughed off.

Dermis is the middle layer, composed primarily of connective tissue. It contains capillaries that nourish the skin, nerve endings and hair follicles.

Hypodermis is a layer of adipose and connective tissue between the skin and underlying tissues.

Affection of skin

Functions