The Skin and its Cells

The skin performs many functions like temperature regulation and insulation, energy storage, sensory perception and protection from harmful environmental influences (i) like fungi, bacteria and UV radiation.

The Skin's Structure

The skin is the largest human organ. It accounts for approximately one sixth of our body weight and consists of three functional layers…
more

The Dermis

It is divided into two layers, with the stratum papillare forming a sharp, wavy border with the epidermis and…
more

The Epidermis

As the outermost layer of the skin the epidermis forms the actual protective covering against the environment. Its average thickness is 0.1 mm. On the face…
more

Skin Appendages

These include the nails, hair and glands (i) of the skin (glandulae cutis). Especially the sweat and sebaceous glands (i) play an important role in...
more

The Horny Layer (Stratum Corneum)

The outer layer of the epidermis consists of a dense segment of about 15 to 20 cell layers. The horny skin cells are connected by a small number of protein-rich appendages...
more

The Subcutis

The main function of the subcutis is to store energy for the skin: This is where nutrients are stored in the form of liquid fats (i). At the same time...
more