SKIN BARRIER AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN HUMAN BODY-PHYSIOLOGY TUTORIAL
The Skin is a Composite of 3 Layers
- This diagram is from the copyright-free collection, The Sourcebook of Medical Illustration, edited by Peter Cull (Park Ridge, NJ: Parthenon, 1989).
- Epidermis: outermost layer, mostly dead keratinized cells (stratified squamous epithelium). No blood vessels, gets nutrition from dermis. Dead cells slough off and are replaced by dividing cells in the stratum basale. Half life of skin cells about 35 days.
- Dermis: contains blood vessels, nerves, sensory receptors for touch, pressure, hot, cold, pain. Also has hair follicles and sweat glands. All this is imbedded in fibrous connective tissue.