Discover the intricate structure and essential functions of the skin, from safeguarding against infections to regulating body temperature. Learn about the layers of the skin and its role in respiration, sensation, and absorption.
Skin –
Skin is an important part of the body. But this part is different from the other part in many ways. It is the outermost covering of the body. Many very important functions required by the body are performed through the skin. The skin is the waterproof and anti-bacterial covering of the body. The skin removes unnecessary substances from the body. To keep the body temperature constant, it works by sending signals to the brain through the ducts. Healthy skin is a symbol of good health of any person.
Skin structure –
There are mainly three parts of the skin. 1) Epidermis 2) Dermis 3) Sub dermis
1) Epidermis (outer skin) –
Epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. The outer layer of this layer is made up of dead cells. After some time these dead cells are separated from the body and replaced by new cells formed in the lower layer. The thickness of each part of the skin is thick and thin according to each function. The palms of the hands and feet are the thickest and the skin on the face (eyelids) is the thinnest and most sensitive. This layer of skin contains blood vessels.
a) Horny Joan –
The upper part of the Horny zone consists of transparent cells. Through which ultra violet and infrared rays enter the body. All the cells in this area are dead. Due to lack of water, these layers begin to dry up and fall off.
b) Germinal Zone –
In this area, the production of new cells continues, these cells reach the upper part after six weeks of formation. Along with the formation of these cells, the dead cells in the outer part of the skin decay and these new cells take the position of the epidermis of the outer part of the skin. Melanocytes are the cells that give color to the skin in this area.
These cells produce melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin. If the production of melanin by the skin cells increases, the skin color becomes darker or darker. When melanocytes slow down, the skin tone appears fairer and clearer. The cells that give the skin these colors are affected by sun and temperature.
When the skin is stimulated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun or the ultraviolet rays given by any lamp, these cells produce more melanin. More melanin is produced by this cell to protect the skin from burning by ultra violet rays otherwise the skin will fade due to excessive heat of these rays.
Bleaching and whitening creams slow down the activity of these cells. With continuous use of this cream, the cells gradually become inactive. And after stopping the cream, some cells become more active and some remain in a dormant state. Due to which black and white spots appear on the skin. The presence of melanin increases heat tolerance.
2) Dermis (inner skin) :
Dermis is the actual skin. This part of the skin is made up of tissue that is very stiff in this area. It includes sebaceous glands, hair follicles, etc. Sensing ducts are located.
Glands :-
There are two types of glands in our body that remove toxins from the body and secrete essential oils to help keep the skin safe and healthy.
A) Sebaceous Gland –
Sebum is produced in this gland. This substance made inside the gland enters the skin through the pores of the skin. This sebum softens the hair and skin and provides protection from external infections. These oil glands are mostly located on the face, scalp, waist. Lips, skin of eyelids, palms of hands and feet do not have these glands.
B) Sweat Gland –
It functions to keep the body healthy and the skin disease-free by expelling unnecessary salt, urea and other toxic substances accumulated in the body (gland) from the body through sweat.
Hair roots –
Tube-shaped hair follicles are located in the dermis. Hair enters the skin through the follicle.
Sensation Noosa –
Located in the skin, these nerves direct the body to perform a variety of functions.
3) Sub Dermis :
This part is below the dermis. It is made up of layers of fat. The major ducts and sensory nerves of the body are located in fat. Fat layers are found in different amounts in different parts of the body. That’s why those parts look thick and loose.
Epidermis layer –
1) STRATUM GERMINATIVUM –
The stratum germinativum is the lowest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of columnar cells. This layer is connected to the layers below it. It involves the constant breakdown of cells and the formation of new cells that push the old cells up and replace them. Melanocytes are cells that secrete pigment. These cells are here and they give the skin its color.
2) STRATUM SPINOSUM.
The stratum spinosum itself is called spiny cells. These cells have thread-like parts that pierce them. Which are stuck in each other. It consists of 5 to 10 layers of cuboid cells.
3) STRATUM GRANULOSUM-
Stratum granulosum consists of 1 to 4 layers of granule-like cells. In which kerato hyalanin is a tough fibrous protein particle.
4) STRATUM LUSIDUM –
The stratum lucidum consists of a thin layer of flat cells. Dead cells are removed in this layer.
5) STRATUM CORNEUM
The stratum corneum is called the stratum corneum. Cells in this layer are thin, flattened and centerless. These cells form a flexible sheath. Due to which water cannot penetrate into the skin. These cells are constantly being shed and replaced by new cells. All this cycle takes 20 to 25 days. The skin does 25% of this work. Facials are 50% work. That’s why facial should be done once a month.
Function and Structure of Skin –
The skin not only enhances the attractiveness of the body but also performs its vital functions. All these functions are important for maintaining good physical health. Deficiency in any one of these functions can have an adverse effect on health. The skin performs the following important functions.
1) Providing security –
The skin protects the body from heat, cold and bacterial infection and does not allow dirt and infection from the environment to enter the body. Ultra violet rays are harmful to the body. Absorption of which protects the body from withering.
2) Temperature control –
The skin regulates body temperature. When the temperature rises, the sweat glands secrete more sweat. And it stops the rise in temperature by reducing the effect of blood in blood vessels. When the body temperature drops, the blood flow in the blood vessels automatically increases and constricts the pores to increase the internal temperature of the body.
3) Function of breathing –
Respiration is partially accomplished through the skin. A certain amount of oxygen reaches the body through the skin. These excess body toxins are excreted through the skin itself.
4) Discharge of essential principles –
The essential principle that keeps the skin safe is sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands and is released to the outside of the skin through the pores on the skin. Sebum means stickiness. It is the essential principle that protects the outer layer of the skin. And this function is accomplished by the skin itself and by the oil glands located in the skin.
5) Water accumulation, moisture and balance in the body –
The skin stores essential water in our lower body. which provides natural moisture balance to the skin. This accumulation of water in the skin depends on several factors. Like rash, high fever etc. Which reduces the lack of water in the affected skin.
6) Sensation –
Skin allows us to feel the difference between cold and heat. Sensory nerves located in the skin protect the body from potential damage.
7) Absorption function –
The ability to absorb in the skin is born. All ingredients applied to the skin are absorbed through the skin and enter the body. All the ingredients applied to the skin – creams, cosmetics, bleaches – have good and bad effects on physical health. The skin absorbs all the essentials needed by the body but water is not absorbed by the skin.