How does human skin work?

"Skin"The most sensitive and prominent part of the body is believed to be the largest organ of the human body too. It is covered 22 square feet area of our body. The main functions of skin is protection of the structures which are present under the skin. These under skin structures are protected, but what about the skin's itself protection, how is it protected to maintain its function? The skin is normally made up of two main layers called dermis and epidermis.



Epidermis

Epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, its thickness various in different parts of the body. There is no nerve and blood vessels present in epidermis layer of the skin. Its inner layer has specific types of cell called melanocytes' cell. The melanocytes' cell produces a dark pigment called Melanin. The main functions of the Melanin pigment is to provide color to the skin. The color of skins varies depending on the secretion of Melanin pigment. If the concentration is higher than the color will be dark and if the secretion is low, the color is light.The secretion of Melanin is different in people of different areas, but the number of melanocytes cells are same in all.

Dermis

The dermis layer is present below the epidermis. It is elastic in nature because it has collagen fibers, Which are made up of protein. The dermis also contains some other cells such as fibroblast, mast cell, and macrophages. These cells play a vital role in the functioning of the immune system. Fibroblast is the types of cells which helps in healing of the wound after injury. Mast cell are granules like, they work in immune system and macrophages engulf bacteria and other foreign particles. Due to the presence of these cells, our body remains prevented from the skin infection.

The dermis layer of the skin also contains blood vessels, which supplies blood to the skin's glands and epidermis layer. Because epidermis layer lack blood vessels. Including this, it also drains out harmful substances from the skin. The sensory receptor is also present in dermis layer which are specific for touch, pressure, temperature and pain. 

The hair and sebaceous glands are also present in dermis layer. The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which helps to protect the skin from bacteria fungi and dryness. 

Important Functions of skin

There are enormous important functions of skin. Some are discovered and some still needs to be, but the main functions that are known to us are the following;

1. The main function of skin is the protection of structures which are present under the skin. The bones and muscles of the body are beautiful covered by skin, proving them a unique shape. If skin was absent, imagine how would you look like?

2. Another important function of skin is to regulate the temperature of the body. The regulations of temperature are important, because it helps in proper functioning of the enzymes and other metabolic reactions occurring in the body. The skin regulate the temperature by activating the process such sweating a shivering. The normal body temperature of human body is 37©. Sweet glands are present in the dermis layer of the skin. They release heat from the body. When the temperature of the body rises, the arteries and veins get dilated. Mean the empty spaces in capillaries under the skin increases and more blood flows, which results in heat loss.

After studying these functions of the skin, it is clear that skin is one of the most important part of the body. It is not only important for other structures, but it is also the first introduction when others see you. So maintaining the health and care of the skin is also necessary.