Skin

SKIN IS THE LARGEST ORGAN OF THE BODY ONE SHOULD TAKE BEST POSSIBLE CARE OF IT.

Every one should  have a basic understanding of  skin's structure and functions in order to take care of it.


The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves many important functions, including regulating body temperature, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, and sensing painful and pleasant stimuli.
It protects the internal organs, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels against trauma.
The skin has three layers—

Epidermis:
Outer most layer of skin which is made up of 5 layers.
The outermost portion of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum, is relatively waterproof and, when undamaged, prevents most bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances from entering the body. The epidermis contains Langerhans' cells, which are part of the skin's immune system.


MELANOCYTES
Scattered throughout the basal layer of the epidermis are cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, one of the main contributors to skin color. Melanin's primary function, however, is to filter out ultraviolet radiation from sunlight which can damage DNA, resulting in numerous harmful effects, including skin cancer.


Dermis:
The dermis, the skin's next layer, is a thick layer of fibrous and elastic tissue (made mostly of collagen, elastin, and fibrillin) that gives the skin its flexibility and strength. The dermis contains nerve endings, sweat glands and oil glands, hair follicles, and blood vessels.The blood vessels of the dermis provide nutrients to the skin and help regulate body temperature


Fat layer (also called the subcutaneous layer) :
Below the dermis lies a layer of fat that helps insulate the body from heat and cold, provides protective padding, and serves as an energy storage area.


To learn more about anatomy of skin and to see visually what changes it undergoes as we age follow the link below:


Skin, Skin Information, Facts, News, Photos -- National Geographic