The Skin

FUNCTION

• Protection 
• Heat Regulation 
• Synthesis of Vitamin D 
• Secretion 
• Elimination 
• Sensation 

ANATOMY – 3 layers

• Epidermis  
• Dermis 
• Subcutaneous 

THE EPIDERMIS – 5 layers

• Stratum germinativum – basal layer 
• Stratum spinosum – prickle cell layer 
• Stratum granulosum – granular layer 
• Stratum lucidum – clear layer 
• Stratum corneum – cornified/horny

THE DERMIS – 2 layers

• Papillary 
• Reticular 

 
SUBCUTANEOUS

Mainly adipose and areolar tissue

 
THE GLANDS OF THE SKIN

• Sebaceous 
• Sweat: Eccrine or Apocrine

 
SENSORY RECEPTORS

 There are many types of sensory receptors - pain, temperature, light touch 
and pressure – and they vary in numbers in different areas of the body

THE HAIR

• Protection 
• Warmth 
• Defence

MELANIN

A pigment produced by melanocytes in the epidermis, which acts as a 
protection against the harmful effects of the sun 

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