“Skin”  

  In and on our body's integumentary system, the Skin, the outer covering of the body situated at the interface between the body and the outside environment, is the largest organ composed of a multilayered ectodermal, non-vascularized, stratified squamous epidermal tissue (epidermis) overlying the thick fibrous connective dermal tissue (dermis), which then sits on the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissues) providing a shielding layer for internal organs.

Two Types of Skin

  In and on our body's Skin, there are two types mostly thin and covered with hair follicles, although often appearing hairless and some of our skin is the thick and hairless glabrous skin type.

Skin Functions

In and on our body's integumentary system, the skin functions in thermoregulation, protection, metabolic functions, in sensation and as a guard for the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs.
  Skin from outer to inner:

• epidermis (epidermal layer)
  • stratum corneum
  • stratum lucidum
  • stratum granulosum
  • stratum spinosum
  • stratum basale
• Basement membrane
  • Basal keratinocyte
  • Lamina lucida
  • Lamina densa
• dermis (dermal layer)
  • Papillary
    • papillae Reticular
  • Reticular dermis

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“Rete Pegs”  

  In our body's skin, Rete Pegs are the epithelial extensions that project into the underlying connective tissue, which help to hold the epidermis to the dermis. **

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“Epidermis (Epidermal)”  

Epidermis

  In and on our body's skin, the Epidermis (Epidermal Layer) is the outermost nonvascular layer (nourished via diffusion) that provides a barrier to the external environment, consisting of several layers of the epithelial cells keratinocytes.

  In our body, the Epidermis (Epidermal Layer) contains keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells, and is responsible for waterproofing, temperature regulation, and serving as a barrier to infection.
  In and on our body's skin, the basic cell type of the Epidermis (Epidermal Layer) is the keratinocyte, which contains the fibrous protein keratin. The inner layer of the Epidermis (Epidermal Layer) contains basal cells and Melanocyte. **

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“Sebaceous Glands”  

  In our body's skin, Sebaceous Glands are small, sacculated organs (sack-shaped glands) found within the dermis (dermal layer) which secrete sebum.
  In our body, the ducts from most Sebaceous Glands release an oily substance into the hair follicles which coats and protects the hair shaft that help the hair follicle from becoming brittle, other ducts open on the general surface of the skin. **

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“Sweat Glands”  

  In and on our body's skin, Sweat Glands, as exocrine glands, are the sweat-producing structures embedded in the skins dermis (dermal layer).
  In our body, each Sweat Gland consists of a single tube, a coiled body, and a superficial duct. **

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“Dry Skin (Xerosis Cutis)”  

Xeroderma (Dry Skin)

  In our body's integumentary system, Dry Skin (Xerosis Cutis) describes the rough, scaly and flaky skin that is dry to the touch with less elasticity than normal healthy skin. **

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