Reference notes
The essentials
Covering the whole surface, thickest on the palms and soles.
- Size
- About 2 m² on an adult
- Weight
- Around 4 kg, up to 15% of body weight
- Daily
- Sheds some 40,000 cells
- Location
- Everywhere, 0.5 to 4 mm thick
- Blood supply
- Dermal capillary networks
- Function
- Protection, sensation and temperature control
Read all anatomy notes · 7
Epidermis
The outer layer, without blood vessels. It renews itself and forms a barrier that limits water loss.
Dermis
Collagen and elastin, nerves, vessels and glands.
Hypodermis
Fat that insulates, cushions and stores energy.
Hair follicle
The pocket the hair grows from, with its bulb at the base.
Sebaceous gland
Oils the hair and skin with sebum.
Sweat gland
Produces sweat, carried to the surface through a duct. Its evaporation helps cool the body.
Artery
Brings blood to the dermis; dilates to release heat.