The Human Skin
Skin is the largest of the body's organs. It separates and protects the organism from its surroundings. Skin is composed of a minimum of 3 major layers:
Epidermis- the outermost layer which provides the initial barrier to the external enviornment
Dermis- made up of two sections the papillary and the reticular layers which contain connective tissues, glands, hair roots, etc.
Hypodermis- mostly made up of adipose tissue which is just fatty tissue
Epidermis- the outermost layer which provides the initial barrier to the external enviornment
Dermis- made up of two sections the papillary and the reticular layers which contain connective tissues, glands, hair roots, etc.
Hypodermis- mostly made up of adipose tissue which is just fatty tissue
Disease and Disorders of the skin
There are many diseases that affect the skin and many of them are well known.
Basal Cell Carcinoma- The most common type of skin cancer, happens in cells called basal keratinocytes in the deepest layer of the epidermis. The most common appearance is a raised pink or pearly white bump that may have a translucent, rolled pearly edge and small visible blood vessels.
Melanoma- It is the most deadly of all skin cancers. Estimated 46,000 Americans develop it every year and about 7,700 Americans die of it every year. It appears as a mole and you will know it is melanoma when the mole looks a different color, shape, size, or thickness.
Rosacea- A red, sometimes swollen, skin around the middle of the face (forehead, cheeks, nose). There are sometimes bumps that may have pus in them like acne. Hot weather, wind, alcohol, and stress are only a few factors that make Rosacea worse. There are numerous antibiotics that are used to help treat this disorder such as, erythromycin and tetracycline.
Basal Cell Carcinoma- The most common type of skin cancer, happens in cells called basal keratinocytes in the deepest layer of the epidermis. The most common appearance is a raised pink or pearly white bump that may have a translucent, rolled pearly edge and small visible blood vessels.
Melanoma- It is the most deadly of all skin cancers. Estimated 46,000 Americans develop it every year and about 7,700 Americans die of it every year. It appears as a mole and you will know it is melanoma when the mole looks a different color, shape, size, or thickness.
Rosacea- A red, sometimes swollen, skin around the middle of the face (forehead, cheeks, nose). There are sometimes bumps that may have pus in them like acne. Hot weather, wind, alcohol, and stress are only a few factors that make Rosacea worse. There are numerous antibiotics that are used to help treat this disorder such as, erythromycin and tetracycline.