SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia: Skin Essentials in a Nutshell
THE SKIN ESSENTIALS IN A NUTSHELL
Subcutaneous
The skin is a unique and remarkable organ that is the outer covering of the body. One
square inch of skin contains millions of cells as well as many specialized nerve endings
for sensing heat, cold, and pain. The skin is nourished by blood vessels and contains
numerous oil glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands. The skin protects the vital organs
and serves as a heat regulator ––sweating when you are hot allows the water to evaporate
and cool the skin. When your body is chilled, the vessels become narrowed and
decrease the flow of blood through the skin to reduce heat loss. The skin’s texture gives
a great deal of information about a person’s general health.
ELEMENTS OF THE SKIN
Epidermis
The outer layer of the
skin is made up of outer dead skin
cells and deeper living cells.
Dermis
The dermis is found
beneath the epidermis and makes
up 90 percent of the skin. The
melanocyte within the epidermis
produces melanin giving color to
the skin and helps protect it from
ultraviolet light.
The epidermis and
dermis sit on the subcutaneous
layers, composed largely of fat,
through which the blood vessels
and nerves run. The roots of
the oil and sweat glands are
located here.
Sebaceous Oil Glands These are distributed throughout the skin but are mostly concentrated
in the scalp, face, mid-chest, and genitals. They are attached to the hair follicles
and secrete an oily substance (sebum) that lubricates and protects the skin.
Sweat Glands
These glands are distributed throughout the body but the greatest number
are found in the palms, soles of the feet, forehead, and underarms.
THE SKIN ESSENTIALS IN A NUTSHELL - Part 2 can be found by clicking HERE.