Skin Functions Essay

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SKIN: The skin is an ever-changing organ that contains many specialized cells and structures. The skin functions as a protective barrier that interfaces with a sometimes-hostile environment. It is also very involved in maintaining the proper temperature for the body to function well. It gathers sensory information from the environment, and plays an active role in the immune system protecting us from disease. Understanding how the skin can function in these many ways starts with understanding the structure of the 3 layers of skin - the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Epidermis The epidermis is the outer layer of skin. The thickness of the epidermis varies in different types of skin. It is the thinnest on the eyelids at .05 mm and the thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm. The epidermis contains 5 layers. From bottom to top the layers are named: * stratum basale * stratum spinosum * stratum granulosum * stratum licidum Skin is a waterproof, flexible, but tough protective covering for your body. Normally the surface is smooth, punctuated only with hair and pores for sweat. A cross-section of skin shows the major parts. It is divided into three layers. The outer layer is the epidermis. The dermis is in the middle and fat forms the innermost layer. Blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, oil glands and sweat glands are located in the dermis. Skin is a waterproof, flexible, but tough protective covering for your body. Normally the surface is smooth, punctuated only with hair and pores for sweat. A cross-section of skin shows the major parts. It is divided into three layers. The outer layer is the epidermis. The dermis is in the middle and fat forms the innermost layer. Blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, oil glands and sweat glands are located in the dermis. The major function of skin is to provide a barrier between you
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