What’s Your Function? Looking at the skin!

Why is Your Skin Important? 1. Prevents water loss. 2. Protects from injury & infection. 3. Helps to regulate body temperature. 4. Eliminates waste. 5. Gather information about external environment. 6. Produces vitamin D.

Layers of your Skin: 1.Epidermis 2.Dermis 3.Subcutaneous

1. Epidermis Outermost layer of skin –Exterior --- Consists of layers of dead cells. (corneal) –Interior --- Contains living cells that continually divide to replace the dead cells. (basal) –Epidermis contains the two proteins, keratin. (waterproof) and melanin (protection & color). Melanocytes- cells that produce melanin. Moles

2. Dermis Middle layer, thicker portion of the skin. Contains important structures (blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, nail, oil & sweat glands) Function: helps with temperature regulation.

3. Subcutaneous Inner most layer of skin Function: contains adipose tissue for energy storage and insulation

Blood Vessels Allow blood to flow to the dermis, provides nutrients.

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

Hair & Hair Follicle Hair functions in protecting the skin Provides an insulating layer of air just above the surface. Follicle- narrow cavity where the hair grows.

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. (acne)

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.