subject: Studying The Skin's Anatomy [print this page] Functioning as the largest organ in the body, your skin's anatomy is more complex than you might realize.
Even though the skin looks like it only has one layer, it is actually made up of two different layers with distinct functions. The skin's outer layer is called the epidermis while the layer underneath it is called the dermis. Moreover, the pigmentation, DNA enzymes, hair, blood vessels and nerves are also the other elements of the skin.
Skin varies from animal to animal. The skin of animals like fish and reptiles is made up of scales for protection. Some skin has an abundance of hair (fur) which is used for warmth or camouflage. Birds have feathers covering their skin which are used for flight, warmth and camouflage. In humans, skin varies greatly in color. This is because the amount of pigmentation varies in different populations. Skin pigmentation is called melanin. Not only does it provide color to human skin, but it also helps to protect the human body from the sun. The melanin in the skin helps to absorb UV rays which the skin is exposed to simply by being outside. At the same time, when the skin is damaged from the sun, the enzymes will be the one to repair the damage.
The skin has a lot of functions. First of all, it provides all the internal organs and muscles with a covering. It offers a great protection for our bodies. The skin protects us from the outside world. It enables to determine our emotional state and can also determine if we are sick. The appearance of our skin can indicated if we are hot or if we have an illness. Our skin can also indicate if we are scared, cold, or embarrassed. Moreover, it helps regulate blood temperature as well as body temperature. It functions to control evaporation of the fluid in our bodies. It also has a role in the release of waste products from the body through sweat. The skin absorbs oxygen, nutrients from the environment as well as from artificial sources for instance, topical medicines or motion sickness patch. Our sense of touch is developed from the sensitive nerve endings that the skin has.
At the same time, it is amazing how the skin is able to maintain itself. Dead skin cells are routinely shed off and new cells made. The skin works vigorously in order to protect and heal itself. Whenever the skin is damaged, scar tissues will form in order to protect and close the wound. Even though the skin is not considered to be an organ by a number of people, it still is one of the most important areas found in the human anatomy.
