What’s Your Function? Looking at the skin!

Epidermis Outermost layer of skin Made up of 2 parts –Exterior --- Consists of layers of dead cells. Helps protect living cells underneath. –Interior --- Contains living cells that continually divide to replace the dead cells.

Dermis Inner, thicker portion of the skin. Contains important structures (blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, oil & sweat glands)

Blood Vessels Allow blood to flow to the dermis

Nerves Receive stimuli from the environment and relay information about pressure, pain, and temperature.

Hair & Hair Follicle Hair helps protect the skin from injury and damaging solar rays. Also provides an insulating layer of air just above the surface. Follicle --- this is the narrow cavity where the hair grows out of.

Fat & Pore Function of fat is for insulation purposes The pore allows fluids to leave the body; mostly sweat. If something such as oil or sweat blocks the pore, this will cause blackheads or pimples.

Sebaceous (Oil Gland) Prevents hair from drying out Keeps skin soft and pliable. Also helps prevent some bacteria from growing on the skin.

Sweat Gland Produces sweat in response to an increase in body temperature. As sweat evaporates, your body cools down.

So, Why is Your Skin Important? Cover the body & prevents water loss. Protects from injury & infection. Helps to regulate body temperature, eliminate wastes, & gather information about environment. Produces essential vitamins (D)