Structure and Functions of Skin

Learning tasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be
able to:
• Define Skin
• Describe the Structure of the Skin
• Explain the Functions of the Skin
Definition of the Skin

• Is the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer

covering of the body of a person or animal
• The body's outer covering, which protects against heat,
light, injury and infection.
• Skin regulates body temperature and stores water, fat,
and vitamin D.
• The skin, which weighs about 6 pounds, is the body's
largest organ.
Structure of the Skin

• Integumentary means covering, it covers the outside of

the body.
• The integumentary system consists of the skin and the
accessory structures such as hair nails and glands.
• The appearance of the integumentary system can
indicate physiological imbalances in the body.
• Disorders of other parts of the body can be reflected
there.
LAYERS OF THE SKIN
Structure of the skin
The skin is made up of the two major tissue layers
• Dermis
• Epidermis
• Hypodermis
 Dermis
• The dermis is divided into two layers
• The deeper reticular layer is dense irregular connective
tissue, which is the main layer of the dermis consisting of
layers of interlacing collagen fibers
• This layer is of elastic and collagens are oriented more in
some areas than others creating tension lines (cleavage
lines) and wrinkle lines in the skin
• The more superficial papillary from projections called
papillae that extend toward the epidermis
Dermis……

• It is less dense than reticular and sometimes called

loose connective tissue, it also contain large number of
blood vessels
• These fibers provide skin tone and account for the
strength and toughness of the skin
Dermis
• The pattern of collagen fibers in a particular region
determines the characteristic
• The deep layer of the dermis contains hair follicles, with
their associated smooth arrector muscles and
sebaceous glands
• Contraction of the arrector muscles erects the hairs
(causing goose bumps), thereby compressing the
sebaceous glands and helping them secrete their oily
product onto the skin
Dermis
• The dermis composed of , nerve endings, hair follicles,
smooth muscles, glands, and lymphatic vessels
• Skin ligaments, consisting of numerous small fibrous
bands, extend through the subcutaneous tissue and
attach the deep surface of the dermis to the underlying
deep fascia
• The length and density of these ligaments determine
the mobility of the skin over deep structures
Epidermis

• A keratinized stratified (layered) epithelium with a tough

outer surface composed of keratin (a fibrous protein).
Epidermis
• The epidermis is made up of several layers (strata of
cells) which extends from the deepest germinative layer
to the surface stratum corneum namely:
• Basal layer (stratum basale)
• Spinous or prickle cell layer (stratum spinosum)
• Granular layer (stratum granulosum)
• Clear layer (stratum lucidum)
• And cornified layer (stratum corneum)
 Epidermis

• The outer layer of the epidermis is continuously or

rubbed away with replacement of new cells from the
basal layer.
• The cells of epidermis include:
• Most of the cells are called keratinocytes because they
produce protein called keratin
• Melanocytes which contribute to skin colour
• Langerhans cells which are part of immune system
Epidermis

• Merkels which are specialized epidermal cells

associated with nerve endings responsible for detecting
light touch and superficial pressure
• This process renews the epidermis of the entire body
every 25 to 45 days
• The epidermis is avascular (no blood vessels or
lymphatics) and is nourished by the vessels in the
underlying dermis
Epidermis

• The skin is supplied by afferent nerve endings that are

sensitive to touch, irritation (pain), and temperature
• Most nerve terminals are in the dermis, but a few
penetrate the epidermis
The Epidermis
Functions of the Skin

• Protection for the body from environmental effects,

such as:Abrasions
• Melanin absorb ultraviolet light and protect underlying
tissue
• Skin prevent the entry of microorganisms and other
harmful substances
Function of skin…….
• Prevent dehydration by reducing water loss from the
body because its lipids act as barrier to the diffusion of
water
• Nail protect the ends of the digits from damage and can
be used in defence
• Hair follicles act as insulator and protect from ultraviolet
light
Function of skin……
• Temperature regulation through sweat glands, blood
vessels and fat deposits
• Sensation , the integumentary system has sensory
receptors that can detect heat, cold, pain, touch,
temperature and pressure)
• Synthesis and storage of vitamin D when exposed to
ultraviolet light, the skin produces a molecule that can
be transformed into vitamin D
• Excretion of small amount of waste products are lost
through the skin and in gland secretions
Key Points

• The integumentary system consists of the skin and the

accessory structures such as hair nails and glands
• The functions of the skin includes synthesis and storage
of vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light and
excretion of small amount of waste products are lost
through the skin and in gland secretions
• Skin is the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer
covering of the body of a person or animal
Key Points…..
• The cells of epidermis include:
• keratinocytes because they produce protein called
keratin, Melanocytes which contribute to skin colour,
Langerhans cells which are part of immune system and
Merkel is which are specialized epidermal cells
associated with nerve endings responsible for detecting
light touch and superficial pressure
Evaluation

• What is the skin?

• What are the structure of the skin?
• What are the functions of the skin?