Skin Diagram with Detailed Illustrations and Clear Labels

The skin is one of the largest organs of the human body composed of water, protein, fats and minerals. It forms the outermost protective layer of the body. 

• Skin is composed of seven layers of ectodermal tissue.
• It is a tissue that protects animals and humans from external elements such as UV radiation, temperature, and pathogenic agents.
• It consists of a fleshy surface with hair, nerves, glands and nails.

The skin of the animals differs significantly from other organisms; for example, some fish and reptiles have scales on their skin, whereas birds have feathers. Other animals have fur that serves as insulation or camouflage for them.

• It is also responsible for protecting your body from germs and regulating the body temperature. 
• Other functions include sensation, synthesis of vitamin D and insulation.

Key Terms: Skin Diagram, Skin, Functions of Skin, Tissue, Human Body, Organs, Vitamin D,Organisms, Epidermis, Hypodermis, Dermis, Nerve, Muscle, Glands, Pigments, Fat, Collagen

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Human Skin

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The skin is the outermost organ in the human body, with a variety of functions that play a role in the well-being of individuals. Water, protein, lipids, and many minerals and chemicals make up the largest organ in our bodies.

• Skin acts as a barrier between the outside and the inside environment.
• It is determined that it acquires an area of 20 square feet on our body surface.

The thickness and texture of skin differ in the entire human body. For example, skin that is found under the eye is thinner; however, skin under the feet and palm is thicker in nature.

• It is used to guard the muscles, bones and other vital organs of our body.
• The organ helps us feel the sensation of touch, heat, and cold. 
• If the skin is damaged, then it can be healed by forming scar tissue, which is depigmented and discoloured.

Skin Diagram

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Structure of Skin

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The structure of skin is composed of three layers which are as follows:

Epidermis 

The epidermis is the skin's outer layer, which is made up of multiple layers, including the basal cell layer, spinous cell layer, granular cell layer, and stratum corneum. 

• Keratin is an intracellular fibrous protein that provides hardness and water resistance to hair, nails, and skin. 
• The stratum corneum keratinocytes are dead and slough away regularly.
• They are being replaced by cells from deeper layers.
• The surface of the skin sheds dead skin cells regularly. 
• The dividing cells in the basal cell layer counteract this, resulting in a condition of continual renewal.
• Melanocytes create melanin and are also found in the basal cell layer. 
• Melanin is a pigment that is absorbed into dividing skin cells to protect skin from ultraviolet light.
• Langerhans cells are also found in the epidermis.
• It is part of the immune system that helps to protect the body from external substances.

Hypodermis

The hypodermis is also known as the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia. It is the fatty layer of the skin. This layer of skin comprises sweat glands, fat, and collagen cells.

• It is capable of ensuring your body is warm and safeguarding your important organs.
• Sagging skin is caused by the loss of tissue in this layer.

Dermis

The dermis is the layer that provides fullness and plumpness to your skin. It is the middle layer of the skin. The dermis can be damaged by ageing and the sun & resulting in wrinkles. 

• Blood, nerves, lymph vessels, and other structures such as hair follicles and sweat glands are all found within it.
• The dermis contains a small amount of fat as well as collagen and elastin fibres that provide skin strength and flexibility. 
• Wrinkles appear because of the loss of subcutaneous fat. 
• The elastin fibres in an elderly person fragment, and the skin loses a lot of its elasticity.

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Function of Skin

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The skin is made up of a variety of components. These components work together to give the skin several defensive characteristics that help protect the body from outside impacts. 

• Some of the important functions of skin are as follows:

Prevent Water Loss

The skin protects the body from dehydration as well as harm from bumps, chemicals, sunshine, bacteria and UV radiation. In places like deserts, skin gets thicker to prevent water loss due to dry air.

• It prevents loss of moisture and it is an immune organ to detect infections etc.

Regulation of Temperature

The skin helps in the regulation of the temperature of the body. The term goosebumps is also the response to the regulation of temperature. It is responsible for moving hot blood to different surfaces, where its heat is radiated out.

Sensation

Skin acts as a sensor that detects changes in the immediate environment and alerts the brain. It can also sense touch, heat, pressure, cold, pain, and pleasure. 

Storage

Skin is responsible for fats and water in its tissues. It also provides extra insulation to our body.

Protection from Environment

Skin is responsible for providing protection against the outside environment. It is responsible for keeping pathogens away from our bodies so that they cannot cause harm to the body.

Excreting Scent Signals

The skin has the capability to excrete scent signals. It is determined that sweat excreted by our body can send signals to other organisms. Many animals mark their territory by smelling the scent of other organisms.

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Things to Remember

• Skin is the largest organ of the human body that protects against germs, regulates body temperature and enables sensations.
• Sweat glands create sweat, which travels through sweat ducts to pores in the epidermis.
• Hair, nails, and the skin surface layer are all made up of keratin, which is the most abundant protein in the body.
• The dermis elastin is found alongside collagen.
• It has numerous sensory, autonomic, and sympathetic nerve fibres.
• They are responsible for ensuring communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
• The deeper layer of skin has numerous blood veins ( well vascularised).

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