Like the leaves of a tree, the skin often goes unnoticed as an organ of the body.
It flies under the radar, underappreciated and weathered by our everyday decisions and yet, it is your largest organ and one of the most complex and crucial to your survival.
While seemingly simple at first glance, your skin houses a wealth of intricate structures that contribute to its remarkable abilities to protect against the elements, defend against disease, regulate temperature and sense the world.
So, seeing as understanding begets appreciation, let’s dive into and unravel the anatomy, structures and functions of your skin.
From the Outside In: Layers of the Skin
The skin consists of three primary layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutis.
Epidermis
Major function: Protection
This outer layer acts as a tough shield against the physical environmental thanks to keratin, a protein responsible for the skin's strength and waterproof properties
Melanin is also produced in this layer, the pigment that gives the skin its colour and provides protection against harmful UV radiation from the Sun
Langerhans cells are present here, which help identify pathogens (disease-causing micro-organisms) and trigger immune responses when necessary
Did you know?
This is the layer of the skin that suffers from sun-damage due to overexposure
Nails grow from the epidermis and serve to protect the fingertips and enhance fine touch sensitivity
Most of the cells in this layer are dead and have a 28 day regeneration cycle – new skin cells are generated at the bottom of the epidermis and gradually surface as the top-most dead cells naturally fall off (this is what exfoliation helps with)
Dermis
Major functions: Structural support, added protection, thermoregulation and sensation
Collagen and elastic fibres provide elasticity and strength, which gives the skin a youthful appearance
Sebum, an oily substance secreted from sebaceous glands, defends against bacteria and fungi entering the bloodstream and reduces water loss from the skin’s surface
Hair follicles, sweat glands and blood vessels collaborate to keep your body temperature constant (around 37C). They’re the reason we get goosebumps and go pale when we’re too cold as (blood vessels constrict) and get flushed and sweaty when we’re too hot (blood vessels dilate).
Nerve endings give us the sense of touch – they detect stimuli in the environment and generate electrical impulses that travel around billions of neurons in your nervous system. This is how we sense temperature, pressure, pain and our physical environment, so we can navigate it safely
Did you know?
The function of this layer determines your skin type (whether you have dry, oily or combination skin)
This is the layer that must be penetrated in order to actually bleed from a cut – it’s the first layer with blood vessels!
Subcutis
Major functions: Thermoregulation, shock absorption and energy storage
Adipose tissue (fat cells) helps to insulate the body and act as a shock absorber
This tissue also acts as a back-up store of energy for the body, should consumed calories ever be running low
Did you know?
The adipose tissue in this layer is referred to as subcutaneous fat - it’s the fat you can pinch beneath the skin and is usually harmless. This is in contrast to visceral fat, which surrounds your major organs and directly impacts your health.
Final Takeaway
The skin's anatomy is an intricate masterpiece that works tirelessly to protect us from the world outside while maintaining a delicate balance within. Understanding the various layers, structures and functions of the skin not only deepens our appreciation for this marvellous organ but also reminds us of the importance of proper skincare and protection. So let us cherish our skin and strive to keep it nourished, as it truly is a remarkable gift from nature.