The Skin

The human body has approximately 1.5 – 2.0 square meters worth of surface skin, and although the skin is just about 2-3 mm thick, it is composed of three primary layers.

The first layer of skin is called the epidermis and its main function is to be the first line of defence against infections. Cells called keratinocytes, which are found and produced in the epidermis are responsible for keeping moisture or water in the body.

Just beneath the epidermis is the dermis and blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, muscles, glands (sweat) and lymphatic tissues can be found in this layer. The dermis is further divided into two parts, the papillary and reticular layers. The papillary layer serves to supply the epidermis with nutrients and this layer is responsible for the prints found on our fingers and feet. The lower layer (reticular) contains most of the glands and is connected to the third layer of skin, called the Hypodermis.

Technically, the hypodermis is no longer part of the skin. The hypodermis is composed of tissue and elastin and these attach the dermis to bone and muscle. Since the hypodermis is composed of 50% fat, the hypodermis pads and insulates the body.