In biology, skin is also known as the cutaneous membrane. This term emphasizes the skin's role as a protective barrier and its structure as a membrane.
The cutaneous membrane is composed of two main layers:
- Epidermis: The outermost layer, responsible for waterproofing and protecting the body from the environment.
- Dermis: The layer beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, and glands.
The cutaneous membrane can be further categorized into thin skin and thick skin. Thin skin, which covers most of the body, contains hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Thick skin, found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, lacks hair and has a thicker epidermis.
