Information on Skin Anatomy

The Human Skin is a complex structure

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and is divided into 3 principal layers: the Epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer.

The Epidemis is the outermost layer of the skin, and consists of a basement membrane lined with basal cells called keratinocytes that divide, flatten and work their way upwards to form the waterproof outer layer of dead skin cells called the stratum corneum. Interspersed between the basal cells are the melanocytes (which makes the pigment or melanin), which gives skin its colour. The hair follicles and the sweat glands are also part of the epidermis. The middle part of the hair follicle contains the opening of the sebaceous (oil) glands.

The Dermis is composed of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. They provide the skin with volume, strength and elasticity. The dermis also contains blood vessels called capillaries. Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and blood vessels are found in this layer.

The subcutaneous layer is composed of the fat cells and connective tissue fibres, with a network of nerves and blood vessels which support and nourish the dermis and epidermis. Temperature regulation occurs at this level.

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