Added: 12/07/2005 |
Skin coverings and their role in protecting human bodyAt the first sight, skin seems to be just a simple decorative human body`s covering. But it is interesting to admit that skin as living organ belongs to the integumentary system including other derivatives such as nails, hairs, oil glands and sweat. Skin is a protective organ having a metabolism of its own. Skin regenerates itself. But at the same time it is considered to be rather sensitive to different environmental influences, such as cold, temperature, infections, etc.
Skin is made up of several skin coverings the major task of which is serving as a barrier to the outside world and protecting the human body from harmful environmental components. Thus, skin coverings protect all the underlying organs and muscles of the human body against different pathogens and harmful external factors.
There are different classifications of skin coverings used in medical and dermatological practice. As a rule, medical experts indicate the existence of two main skin coverings: epidermis and dermis. Among other skin coverings we know hypodermis consisting largely of adipose tissue.
Thus, skin is not just a flat sheet. It is an organ composed of three skin coverings.
The upper one is called epidermis; it is considered to be microscopically thin, but rather tough. It is being constantly worn down and as a result replaced. One of the vital functions of this skin covering is preventing extra loss of moisture from the human body. It is important that to carry out skin functions epidermis includes stratum corneum which reflects the radiation from the skin surface and melanin which absorbs part of the radiation. It protects the body from the harmful affect of the sun and infections. Due to being a translucent skin layer it allows light to pass through. Thus, epidermis helps the healthy skin to have an attractive look.
Beneath the epidermis another skin covering dermis is located. It gives a mechanical protection to the body from knocks and bumps. The important role is this skin function plays the collagen. Dermis also provides nutrients and oxygen to all human body cells via blood in the vessels, removes waste products of metabolism from epidermis (they are carried away by the blood), connects all skin structures and, as a result, provides shape and holds to the body. Among other outstanding dermis functions are regulation of the human body temperature (through control of sweating and blood flow), provision of skin sensations, pain, heat, cold and touch. It is carried out by means of a great number of receptors (for example, warmth and cold ones) and intraepithelial nerve receptors.
The layer of fat, lying under the dermis, is known as hypodermis. It is made up of clumps of adipose cells (or fat-filled cells) and contains larger blood vessels and nerves. The depth of hypodermis may differ depending on the person`s physiology characteristics.
Thus, skin coverings are basic components which make up the skin of any person. Each of them has distinguishing features and specific functions.
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