Skin

Your skin is actually classified as an organ and it is the largest organ in the human body. Your skin covers an area of about 20 feet. We take it for granted and don’t realize just how big a job it has and an important role it plays in our physical make up.

Our skin protects our body from the elements and from outside dangers. It helps to regulate out body temperature. When we are exposed to cold temperatures, the blood vessels located in the dermis layer constrict. This contraction helps the warm blood to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes cold due to exposure but the body heat is conserved.

The skin has secretions that act to kill dangerous bacteria. It also contains the pigment melanin. This pigment is our defense against the dangers of ultraviolet light.

As you can see, the layers of our skin play an important role in protecting us although we often take it for granted.

The 3 Layers of Skin:

EPIDERMIS – Top Skin Layer

The surface layer consists of the skin cells that are at the end of their life cycle. The majority of the cells in the outer layer consist of cell types called keratinocytes. The epidermis is your shield against the dangers of the outside environment. It will protect you from bacterial dangers as well as element dangers.

The outer layer also creates pigment. Cells located in our outer layer produce the pigment melanin. The outer layer also contains important fluids and also protects our nerve endings.

DERMIS – The Middle Layer

The dermis is skin layer is imperative to your skin’s health. This layer contains your nerve cells, sweat glands, and your hair follicles. It also supplies the blood your skin needs. Located in the dermis is the capillaries which feed the skin cells.

SUBCUTANEOUS – The 3^rd Layer

The subcutaneous layer also goes by the name the hypodermis layer. In fact it is not technically a layer of skin but it plays a critical role with the other two layers. It is performs the function of keeping the skin attached to your body parts and areas. It also includes a layer of fat. This layer plays the role of draining the capillaries which are located in the dermis and also feeds and supplies blood to the dermis.