Structure and Function of Skin, Hair, and Nails

May 2017 in “ Medicine ”

Joey E. Lai‐Cheong, John A. McGrath

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

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

The document described the skin as the largest organ of the human body, consisting of a multilayered stratified epidermis, hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, a dermis with collagen and elastic fibers, and subcutaneous fat. It highlighted that over 1,000 skin diseases had been identified, with up to 20% of general practitioner referrals involving skin issues. Conditions like infections, drug reactions, psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, and skin cancer significantly impacted healthcare resources and patients' quality of life. Understanding the structure and function of the skin and its appendages was essential for comprehending both healthy skin biology and the pathophysiology of skin diseases.

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