Skin Structure and Layers

Skin Structure

• The skin consists of two main parts: the epidermis (superficial) and dermis (deep).
• The epidermis is a stratified epithelium that is extremely thick on the palms and soles to withstand wear and tear.
• The dermis is composed of dense connective tissue containing blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.

Skin Layers

• The skin is made up of the following layers:
  • Squamous epithelium
  • Sweat pores
  • Melanocytes
  • Epidermis
  • Dermis
  • Sweat glands
  • Subcutaneous tissue (fat)
  • Connective tissue
  • Muscle

Skin Appendages

• The skin's appendages include:
  • Nails
  • Hair follicles
  • Sebaceous glands
  • Sweat glands

Hair Follicle Structures

• The hair shaft is part of the skin's structure.
• Each hair follicle has an associated:
  • Oil (sebaceous) gland
  • Erector muscle of hair

Blood and Nerve Supply

• Arteries supply blood to the skin.
• Veins facilitate blood return from the skin.
• Nerves innervate the skin.

Fasciae

• There are two types of fasciae: superficial and deep.
• The superficial fascia (subcutaneous tissue) connects the dermis to the underlying deep fascia.
• The deep fascia is a membranous layer of connective tissue that invests deeper structures.