Anatomy and Function of the Skin
January 2016
in “
Elsevier eBooks
”
epidermis dermis hypodermis keratinocytes melanocytes collagen elastic fibers hair follicles sebaceous glands sweat glands vitamin D synthesis nanoscience targeted drug delivery skin restoration skin layers skin cells skin fibers hair roots oil glands vitamin D production nanotechnology drug delivery skin repair
TLDR The skin is the largest organ, protecting the body, regulating temperature, and producing hormones.
The document described the skin as the largest human organ, detailing its three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, each with distinct structures and functions. The epidermis, composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes, continuously regenerates and forms a protective barrier. The dermis provides structural support with collagen and elastic fibers, and contains blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells. The hypodermis stores fat and insulates the body. The skin plays crucial roles in temperature regulation, fluid retention, immune response, and houses appendages like hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. It also highlighted the skin's role in hormone production, including vitamin D synthesis, and discussed the potential of nanoscience for targeted drug delivery and skin restoration.
