Chapter 41.1, Problem 1QC

Summary Introduction

To describe: The two layers of the skin.

Concept introduction: The skin is the outer protective covering of the body. It is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its accessory components such as nails, hair, and glands make up the integumentary system of the body. This specialized tissue system contains glands that secretes several fluids, blood vessels, and the nerves which carry impulses that helps in the regulation of the body temperature.

Explanation of Solution

Pictorial representation:

Fig.1 shows the structure of structure of skin.

Fig.1: Structure of skin

The skin consists of two major layers, namely the epidermis and dermis.

• Epidermis: It is the outermost protective layer of the skin. It is composed of squamous epithelium. It lacks the lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It provides a waterproof barrier and creates skin tone.
• Dermis: It is an irregular connective tissue that is found directly below the epidermis. It is composed of blood vessels, lymph, nerve fibers, as well as the accessory organs of the skin. These accessory organs include hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.