Skin Cells

The skin cells in our body have different functions that are essential to the proper function of the skin. The different layers of the skin have different functions and so do the skin cells in each layer. The proper care of the skin will help it maintain and function well. There are several factors that need to be considered when we take care of our skin.

skin cells: Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It provides the individual protection from the most elements and is the barrier from which we are basically protected from infections and certain sicknesses. There are several kinds of skin cells in the epidermis and these are the keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells and Merkels cells. It is in the epidermis that we encounter most of the skin cells. The skin cells are manufactured in the deeper layers of the skin and are eventually pushed up to the outer part of the epidermis. Through a process called keratinization they change their shape until they reach the outermost layer. The outermost layer consists of about 30 layers of dead skin cells.

This epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin is further divided into 5 other strata – stratum corneum, stratum spinusom, stratum granulosum, the stratum lucidum and stratum basale.

skin cells: Dermis

The dermis is made up to two basic regions namely the papillary region and the reticular region. In the papillary region we see the connective tissues that connect the dermis to the epidermis. The reticular region is where the thicker connective tissues are and these create the ridges which we find in our palms and soles of the feet. It is also in the reticular region that we find the sebaceous glands, the hair roots, nails, sweat glands, blood vessels and receptors.

skin cells: Hypodermis

The main function of the hypodermis is to attach the skin to the bones and underlying tissues. The main skin cell types here are fibroblasts, adiphocytes and macrophages. There are also subcutaneous fats in this area of the skin which helps insulate our body and give energy to us when we need it.

Functions of our Skin

Our skin has several functions and in all these functions, the skin cells play a vital role of protecting us. Other than protecting us from the elements physically, the skin also aids us from moisture loss and helps to control our body temperature. It also helps us process Vitamin D and tells our body of changes in the environment.

Our skin prevents excessive moisture loss by controlling the amount of moisture that we secrete through it. Through sweating, it also helps regulate our body to avoid overheating and when we are cold, goose bumps offer tightening of the skin to prevent further loss of warmth. Our skin also helps to synthesize the processing of Vitamin D, which is a vitamin essential to our proper absorption of calcium for our bones.

The sensitive receptors in our skin also help our brain understand the changes in the environment around us. It also aids us to understand that we are hurt or feel heat or coolness.