The two major parts of the skin are the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, and it acts as a barrier to protect the body from the environment. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles.
The epidermis is a thin, tough layer of epithelial tissue that is constantly being shed and renewed. It is made up of four main layers:
- Stratum corneum: The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead cells that have lost their nuclei.
- Stratum lucidum: A clear layer found only in thick skin (like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet).
- Stratum granulosum: A layer containing granules that help produce keratin.
- Stratum spinosum: A layer containing cells that are connected by desmosomes.
- Stratum basale: The innermost layer of the epidermis, where new cells are produced.
The dermis is a thicker layer of connective tissue that provides structural support for the skin. It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. The dermis is also responsible for providing the skin with its elasticity and strength.
