We explain what skin is, how its structure and thickness are. Also, what are its characteristics and its ability to repair itself.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body . In an adult, this organ can measure almost 2 meters square. It is made up of two layers: the epidermis and the dermis . Beneath these two layers is a stratum (subcutaneous stratum) called the hypodermis .
In the innermost part of the skin, cells are formed that progressively approach the outer layers, losing their nucleus and becoming loaded with keratin. In this way they can form a layer of protection for the body. However, this layer is constantly under renovation.
The considerable loss of a portion of skin can lead to the death of the person.
As we have said above, the skin is made up of 2 layers.
Genetically speaking, this hypodermis is thicker in women than in men . It is made up of adipocytes that store fat . Basically the hypodermis is responsible for storing fat, serves as an energy deposit and is a thermal insulator of the body.
This film is found in the skin layer, made up of water and fat . This film provides elasticity and protects the skin from bacteria and fungi . Its PH is slightly acidic: between 5.4 and 5.9. It is this acidity (made up of bacterial flora) that makes it a protective layer for microbes.
The thickness of the skin will vary according to the area of the body that it covers. Thus, in the area of the face or hands it is 0.02 mm and in the feet it can measure between 1 and 5 mm. In the areas around the eyes and on the eyelids, it can reach a thickness of 0.004 mm. On average the skin is 0.01 mm thick.
The skin is flexible thanks to the elastin that the dermis has . However, over the years this elasticity can be lost giving rise to the well-known wrinkles of the skin.
On the other hand, the skin is waterproof, that is, it prevents the passage of fluids and substances, thus protecting the internal organs of the body.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of the skin is that it serves as a regulator of body temperature . Thus, and by sweating the skin, it can allow water to escape through the sweat glands.
Melanin is the substance responsible for the coloring of our skin and hair . Over the years the production of melanin can be altered. Hence, at a certain age, gray hair or spots on the hands and face begin to appear.
The hair on the skin helps the functions of regulating body temperature, maintaining humidity and avoiding damage from external agents such as UV rays, environmental pollution or germs that may be present in the air . On the other hand, the sensory function is expressed through the sense of touch .
The vitamin D, essential for the health of the body, you can only fix it by skin contact with the rays of the sun. Thus, the skin involved in the synthesis of vitamin D .
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