The skin consists of three main layers epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Structure of the skin what is the function of the skin. It keeps the internal environment of our body stable. Skin is the largest organ of the body, covering an area of 1. The squamous layer is composed of a variety of cells that differ in shape, structure, and subcellular properties depending on their location. The layers of the skin include the epidermis the outermost layer, the dermis the next layer which is loaded with blood vessels and nerves, and then the hypodermis. These processes include barrier and immunologic functions, melanin production, vitamin d synthesis, sensation, temperature regulation, protection from trauma and aesthetics. The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier. The skin is the largest organ in the body, comprising about 15% of body weight. Although you may not typically think of the skin as an organ, it is in fact made of tissues that work together as a single structure to perform unique and critical functions.
Consumer version the trusted provider of medical information since 1899. Pdf structure and function of skin, hair and nails joey. Most of the cells in the epidermis are keratinocytes. Drawing upon the accumulated data derived from embryology, histology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, this book presents an. Healthy, problemfree skin is even in colour, smooth in texture, well hydrated and appropriately sensitive to touch, pressure and temperature. There are some physiological and structural differences between black and white skin. Presentations ppt, key, pdf logging in or signing up. This article discusses the relevant anatomical structures of the skins epidermal layer, its structure, function, embryology. Nurses observe the skin of their patients daily and it is important they understand the skin so they can recognise problems when they arise.
The skin and its accessory structures make up the integumentary system, which provides the body with overall protection. It loses moisture and elasticity and can look and feel dry, rough, cracked andor saggy. Skin is the soft outer tissue which covers vertebrates. A video of a presentation about the skin and its function that i use for revision of anatomy and physiology in my nursing degree. The structure and function of skin, third edition is devoted to all matters pertaining to the structure and function of the skin. The epidermis is the relatively thin, tough, outer layer of the skin.
In direct contact with the outside environment, the skin helps to maintain four. The skin is the human bodys its largest organ, covering. This article, the first in a twopart series on the skin, looks at its structure and function. It is also the largest organ of the human body, providing around 10% of the body mass of. It protects our internal organs from the environment using a multilayered system of cushioning, a cellular barrier, and protective oils. Anatomy and physiology of the skin 3 or stratum spinosum murphy, 1997. Sweat pores fed by sweat glands open to the cristae cutis arrows. View skin problems such as sun burn, skin cancer and acne. Structure and function of the skin wound care education.
Learn about the skins function and conditions that may affect the skin. The knowledge about the molecular structure, biosynthesis, assembly and turnover of collagens is important to understand embryonic and fetal developmental processes as well as pathological processes linked with many human diseases. Drawing upon the accumulated data derived from embryology, histology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, this book presents an overview of skin, with emphasis on human skin. The skin interfaces with the environment and is the first line of defense from external factors. Skin functions as the bodys first line of defence against bacteria and viruses, and is also a vital sensory organ, sensitive to the softest touch as well as pain. When skins structure is disturbed, its protective function and healthy appearance are compromised. Palms and soles are the only regions without sebaceous glands. They fall off as dust when we move found on areas of the body subjected to wear and tear.
This book is the first to concentrate on the structure and function of black skin. Anatomy, skin integument, epidermis statpearls ncbi bookshelf. It has three main layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. The hypodermis is the innermost or deepest and thickest layer of skin. In humans, it is the bodys largest organ, covering a total area of about 20 square feet. The barrier function of the skin is located in the superficial of the skin, the stratum. Skin of a different nature exists in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. The skin s primary function is to serve as a protective barrier that interacts with a sometimeshostile environment. The adaptation of these skin qualities continues during the first year of life and should be considered when designing baby skin care products. The epidermis, outer layer of the skin, consists of many layers of closely packed cells, the most superficial of which are flattened and filled with keratins. In this chapter, we describe the structural properties of human skin, its functions, and the basic principles of drug penetration.
The skin is the largest organ, and its one of the most complicated. The living epidermal surface is protected by mucous secretions which are prevented from ablation by the intricately patterned microridges of the surface keratinocytes, as seen by scanning electron microscopy. If the drugs are intended for delivery to humans, the most. The epidermis is an elastic layer on the outside that is continually being regenerated. Renewal of the skin barrier through the unique process of exfoliation is described. Beneath the surface of the skin are nerves, nerve endings, glands, hair follicles, and blood vessels. It is a waterproof, airtight and flexible barrier between the environment and internal organs. Draw a label diagram of the skin and describe its structures and key parts.
Its everchanging, and it contains many specialized cells and structures. The function and structure of the skin clinical dermatology. Nov 25, 2019 nurses observe the skin of their patients daily and it is important they understand the skin so they can recognise problems when they arise. Supra basal spinous cells, for example, are polyhedral in shape and have a rounded nucleus, whereas cells of the upper. The skin is an organ that provides the outer protective wrapping for all the body parts. It performs many vital functions, including protection against external physical.
Skin structure, layers and function understanding skin. The structural architecture of skin and the important molecules that maintain this structure are also. The epidermal barrier protects the skin from microbes, chemicals, physical trauma, and desiccation due to transepidermal water loss. Despite being just a few millimeters thick, skin makes up. This anatomy quiz on the skin structure of the integumentary system is developed to test your knowledge on the layers, appendages, and nerve endings in the skin. Sebum, secretion controlled by androgen activity located in the dermis, drain into hair follicle most prominent on scalp, face and trunk. The main function of the skin, its structure and the relationship between the skin, circulatory and nervous system.
In addition, skin color, texture, and folds see descriptions of skin marks, growths, and color changes help mark people as individuals. Skin structure and function george rogers learning objectives this topic should provide you with. Present in thick skin only manufactures precursor keratin contains bundles of keratin filaments. Pdf on jan 1, 2006, monteiroriviere na and others published structure and function of skin find, read and cite all the research you need on.
Structure and function of the skin msd manual consumer version. Structure of the skin layers of skin types of skin types of skin cells. Latest skin multiple choice questions and answers pdf free download free skin multiple choice questions and answers 1. Structure and function of skin biology for majors ii. The skin is composed of three layers, listing from the outside, which are the. Key structures of the epidermis functions mainly dead cells, filled with the protein keratin. The hypodermis layer of the skin structure and function. The assessment of percutaneous permeation of molecules is a key step in the evaluation of dermal or transdermal delivery systems. Kolarsick, bs, maria ann kolarsick, msn, arnpc, and carolyn goodwin, aprnbc, fnp chapter 1 introduction the skin is the largest organ of the body, accounting for about 15% of the total adult body weight. See how the skin is involved in the regulation of body temperature. Skin functions, structure and relationship with the body.
Structure and functions of the skin clinical dermatology. Skin structure and function explained in 3 minutes layers. They originate from cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis called the basal layer. It explains the different functions of the skin and outlines its. The skin is the interface between humans and their environment. Webmds skin anatomy page provides a detailed image of the skin and its parts as well as a medical definition. Structure and function of the skin and skin disorders learn about from the msd manuals medical consumer version. Both the epidermis and dermis of the anadromous coho salmon, oncorhynchus kisutch, have a full complement of the protective structures found in fish. In terms of chemical composition the skin is about 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids.
Anything that interferes with skin function or causes changes in appearance see effects of aging on the skin can have major consequences for. The thickness, pigmentation, and distribution of the appendages of the skin vary in different parts of the body, depending upon the function and needs of the area. A detailed appreciation of the development, structure and function of human skin is fundamental to understanding diseases that originate in or target the skin. Located on the outermost layer covering a living body, skin is an organ which protects the. The exploration of expression and function of the different collagen types. Understanding the structure and function of the skin. Structure and function of the skin skin disorders msd.
Structure and functions of the skin skin structure. The skin is the site of many complex and dynamic processes as demonstrated in figure 11 and table 11. Pdf structure and function of skin, hair and nails. Course one describes the structure and function of the skin barrier, including its role in the bodys immune processes. The skin protects us against the external environment. The keratinocytes of the epidermis are produced and renewed by stem cells in the basal layer resulting in replacement of the epidermis. It is also known as the subcutaneous layer or subcutaneous tissue. All mammals have some hair on their skin, even marine mammals like whales, dolphins, and porpoises which appear to be hairless. Structure and function explained medical news today. This skin is an amazing organ that is designed to protect the human body from many outside elements, one being harmful uv rays. Understanding the structure and function of the skin fig 1. Skin care questions common skin complaints, treatments, hair removal techniques and more.
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