The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue or subcutis, is not technically part of the skin. While it sits beneath the skin's two main layers, the epidermis and dermis, it primarily functions as a connecting layer between the skin and the underlying muscles and bones.
The hypodermis plays a crucial role in:
- Fat storage: It contains fat cells that insulate the body and act as an energy reserve.
- Shock absorption: The fat and connective tissues cushion the body from impacts.
- Blood vessel and nerve passage: It provides pathways for blood vessels and nerves to travel.
The three main layers of the skin are:
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, responsible for protection and providing a barrier against external threats.
- Dermis: The middle layer of the skin, containing connective tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles.
- Hypodermis: The deepest layer, connecting the skin to the underlying structures and providing insulation and cushioning.
While the hypodermis is closely associated with the skin, its primary function is to attach the skin to the body, not to directly protect or regulate the body like the epidermis and dermis.
