The Structure And Function Of The Skin

The Structure And Function Of The Skin

Give an account of the structure and functions of skin. (or) Functions of skin. 
Answer:

Structure of skin:

• Skin is made up of two layers.

1. Epidermis:

• It is outermost layer formed by stratified epithelium.
• It consists of 5 layers.

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• From this layer, projections called rete ridges extend down upto dermis.

2. Dermis:

• It is a connective layer.
• It is made up of

Collagen fibers:

• Exhibits elastic property
• Capable of storing water
• Contains collagenase enzyme which helps in wound healing.

Cells:

• Fibroblasts.
• Histiocytes.

Layers:

• Superificial papillary layer.
• Deeper reticular layer.

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Functions of skin:

1. Protective function:

1. Protection against bacteria and toxic substances.
   • Skin covers the organs of the body and protects the organs from having direct contact with external environment and prevents in infections.
   • During injury, keratinocytes in skin secretes cytokines and antimicrobial peptides.
2. Protection from mechanical blow.
   • Skin is placed loosely over subcutaneous tissue thus prevents transmission of any below to the underlying tissues.
3. Protection from ultraviolet rays.
   • Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation increase melanin production in skin.
   • This absorbs ultraviolet rays.

2. Sensory function:

• Skin has many nerve ending forming cutaneous receptors.

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3. Storage function:

• Skin stores fat, water, chloride and sugar.

4. Synthetic function:

• Vit D3 is synthesized in skin

5. Regulation of body temperature:

• Excess heat from the body is lost by radiation conduction, convection and evaporation through skin.

6. Regulation of water and electrolyte balance:

• Skin excrete water and salts through sweat and maintains balance.

7. Excretory function:

• It excretes urea, salts, fatty substances in small amounts.

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8. Absorptive function:

• It absorbs fat soluble substances and some ointments.

9. Secretory function:

• Skin secretes.
• Sweat-through sweat glands
• Sebum-through sebaceous glands.