Functions and Structures of the Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body and has many functions; one of the most important functions is maintaining homeostasis. Homeostasis is when the body maintains constancy within the internal environment when dealing with external sources or changes.

The skin protects the body from foreign bodies, absorption from some harmful chemicals, Sends messages to the central nervous system (CNS) for triggers of hot, cold, pressure, and touch. Regulates temperatures, cushions internal organs, excretes waste products, prevents dehydration, synthesis of Vitamin D, and absorption of medications.

When the skin touches something hot or cold it sends a signal to the CNS which then sends a signal back to the body part telling the body part what it should do next, for example your hand touches something hot, the signal is sent telling your hand to pull away from the hot object.

The structures of the skin are the 3 layers that make up the skin, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer.

Epidermis is the superficial layer of the skin, there are no blood vessels in this outermost layer and it nourished by the capillaries from the dermis layer. There are five layers' that make up the Epidermis the inner layer (stratum germinativum) this is where cell division occurs, these new cells then push to the top layer of the epidermis which is called the horn layer or horny layer, they become flat, tough, dry and waterproof. The stratum basale is the deepest layer which produces melanin, this is that gives skin its color and helps protect the skin from UV rays.

The Dermis also known as true skin contains the blood vessels, glands, hair follicles and nerves. The dermis is made of connective tissue and contains collagen and elastic fibers. The thickness of the dermis is determined by the different body part. The dermis is made up of dermal papillae which extend upward toward the epidermis supplying blood.The next and final layer is the subcutaneous layer this layer lays under the dermis. The subcutaneous layer is where all fat and water is stored. The importance of the subcutaneous layer is it protects the organs, insolates the body and provides the pathway for nerves and blood vessels.