Structure and Function of Skin, Hair, and Nails

June 2013 in “ Medicine ”

Joey E. Lai‐Cheong, John A. McGrath

epidermis hair follicles sebaceous glands dermis collagen elastic fibers subcutaneous fat psoriasis eczema urticaria skin cancer

TLDR Understanding skin's structure and function is crucial for grasping skin health and diseases.

The document discussed the structure and function of the skin, highlighting its role as the largest organ of the human body. It described the skin as a complex tissue composed of a multilayered stratified epidermis, hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, a dermis with collagen and elastic fibers, and subcutaneous fat. The text emphasized the prevalence of skin diseases, noting that over 1,000 skin-related conditions had been identified, with up to 20% of general practitioner referrals involving skin issues. Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, and skin cancer were noted for their significant impact on healthcare resources and patients' quality of life. Understanding the skin's structure and function was deemed essential for comprehending both healthy skin biology and the pathophysiology of skin diseases.

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