Skin Problems

A Closer Look at your Skin 

Anatomy of your Skin                                                                                   The skin is an ever-changing organ that contains many specialized cells and structures. The skin functions as a protective barrier that protects your body from the hostile outside environment. It is also involved in maintaining the optimum body temperature. It gathers sensory information from the environment, and plays an active role in protecting us from disease. Understanding how the skin can function in these many ways starts with an understanding of the structure of the 3 layers of skin - the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

Epidermis                                                                                                        The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and contains 5 layers. From bottom to top the layers are named stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum licidum, and stratum corneum. The bottom layer, the stratum basale, has living cells called keratinocytes that are shaped like columns. In this layer the cells divide and push already formed cells into higher layers. As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is made of dead, flat, waxy skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks.

Dermis                                                                                                             The dermis contains cells called, fibroblasts, that make and secret collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.  The collagen and elastin fibers made by fibroblasts form a cross-linked matrix that gives skin its strength and elasticity. Fibroblasts also respond to environment factors by producing a variety of inflammatory hormones, which cause vasodilation, and which signal immune cells to leave blood vessels and enter the skin. These immune cells can protect damaged skin from bacterial infections, but they can also cause considerable skin damage.   

Hypodermis                                                                                                    The hypodermis, also called subcutaneous tissue, is a layer of fat and connective tissue that houses larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer is important is the regulation of temperature of the skin itself and the body. The size of this layer varies throughout the body and from person to person.