Parts and Functions of the skin

Parts and Functions of the skin

by Michelle Diaz

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Open Ended

The largest organ in your body is your skin. Is there any part of your body that is not covered by skin?

Open Ended

Why is your skin important? How does it help you?

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​You can feel things that touch your skin. Nerves in the skin detect them. The nerves in the skin detect them. The nerves help you feel whether the object is hard or soft, hot or cold, rough or smooth.

​The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin protects us from microbes and the elements help regulate body temperature and permit the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.

​The skin has three layers:

• The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.

• The dermis, beneath the epidermis. It contains tiny blood vessels, nerves, roots of the hair, oil glands, and sweat glands.

- Oil glands release substances that make the skin waterproof.

- Sweat glands remove extra salt and water from your body in the form

of sweat.

- Sweat glands open to the surface of the skin through an opening

called pores.

- The nerves are connected to the brain. They send messages to the

brain. Then the brain interprets what you feel.

​The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

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​The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.

​The deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

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​The skin’s color is created by special cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located in the epidermis.

H​ow do you take care of your skin?

K​eep your skin healthy by following these rules.

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​Take a bath regularly with soap and water

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2. Avoid scratching your skin.

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​3. Always use your own comb, face towel and bath towel.

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4. Use a clean and soft towel to dry or wipe your skin.

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5. Always wear clean clothes

6. Do not stay too long under the sun. You can use protection like sunblock when need outdoor activities.

7. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

8. See a dermatologist when suffering from skin infection