The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The thickness of the epidermis varies depending on where on the body it is located. It is at its thinnest on the eyelids,measuring just half a millimeter, and at its thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 millimeters.
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The Anatomy of Skin
Theskin’s anatomyis composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, andsubcutaneous tissue. These layers are home to sweat glands, oil glands,hair follicles, blood vessels, and certain vital immune cells.
Functions of the Epidermis
The epidermis acts asa barrier that protects the bodyfrom ultraviolet (UV) radiation, harmful chemicals, and pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Historically, it was thought that the function of the epidermis was to regulate fluid and protect the body from mechanical injury. In recent years, we’ve come to understand that it is a complex system that plays a key role in how the immune system communicates and target defense.Within the epidermis are several distinct layers, consisting of (from bottom to top):
Conditions Involving the Epidermis
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe five layers of the epidermis are:Stratum basaleStratum spinosumStratum granulosumStratum corneumStratum lucidumThe epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, provides a protective barrier against UV radiation, chemicals, and microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.Yes and no. Humans do not shed their skin in the same way a snake does, but our skin cells are constantly being replaced. Skin cells live for about four to six weeks in young adults, and little longer than six weeks in older adults. Once a skin cell dies, it works its way to the outer layer of the epidermis, where it is shed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The five layers of the epidermis are:Stratum basaleStratum spinosumStratum granulosumStratum corneumStratum lucidum
The five layers of the epidermis are:
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, provides a protective barrier against UV radiation, chemicals, and microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Yes and no. Humans do not shed their skin in the same way a snake does, but our skin cells are constantly being replaced. Skin cells live for about four to six weeks in young adults, and little longer than six weeks in older adults. Once a skin cell dies, it works its way to the outer layer of the epidermis, where it is shed.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Oltulu P, Ince B, Kokbudak N, Findik S, Kilinc F.Measurement of epidermis, dermis, and total skin thicknesses from six different body regions with a new ethical histometric technique.Turk J Plast Surg. 2018;26(2):56. doi:10.4103/tjps.TJPS_2_17National Cancer Institute.Layers of the skin.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Aging changes in skin.American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?.Popa ML, Popa AC, Tanase C, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA.Acanthosis nigricans: to be or not to be afraid.Oncol Lett. 2019;17(5):4133-4138. doi:10.3892/ol.2018.9736
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Oltulu P, Ince B, Kokbudak N, Findik S, Kilinc F.Measurement of epidermis, dermis, and total skin thicknesses from six different body regions with a new ethical histometric technique.Turk J Plast Surg. 2018;26(2):56. doi:10.4103/tjps.TJPS_2_17National Cancer Institute.Layers of the skin.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Aging changes in skin.American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?.Popa ML, Popa AC, Tanase C, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA.Acanthosis nigricans: to be or not to be afraid.Oncol Lett. 2019;17(5):4133-4138. doi:10.3892/ol.2018.9736
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Oltulu P, Ince B, Kokbudak N, Findik S, Kilinc F.Measurement of epidermis, dermis, and total skin thicknesses from six different body regions with a new ethical histometric technique.Turk J Plast Surg. 2018;26(2):56. doi:10.4103/tjps.TJPS_2_17National Cancer Institute.Layers of the skin.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Aging changes in skin.American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?.Popa ML, Popa AC, Tanase C, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA.Acanthosis nigricans: to be or not to be afraid.Oncol Lett. 2019;17(5):4133-4138. doi:10.3892/ol.2018.9736
Oltulu P, Ince B, Kokbudak N, Findik S, Kilinc F.Measurement of epidermis, dermis, and total skin thicknesses from six different body regions with a new ethical histometric technique.Turk J Plast Surg. 2018;26(2):56. doi:10.4103/tjps.TJPS_2_17
National Cancer Institute.Layers of the skin.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Aging changes in skin.
American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?.
Popa ML, Popa AC, Tanase C, Gheorghisan-Galateanu AA.Acanthosis nigricans: to be or not to be afraid.Oncol Lett. 2019;17(5):4133-4138. doi:10.3892/ol.2018.9736
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