What does epidermis mean in anatomy or science?
1 Answer
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that we can see, which controls water flow and protects us from the outside.
Explanation:
The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. As an organ, the skin is responsible for physically protecting the internal organs, regulating temperature and water flow in and out of the body.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It is composed on the outside of dead cells, which originated further down in the epidermis and have been pushed outwards by the production of new cells. As they are pushed out, they flatten and die, and eventually flake off. The epidermis functions as a water barrier and contains the pigment (melanin, produced by melanocytes) which determines your skin colour.
The dermis is thicker than the epidermis and is strong connective tissue, and also contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, hair follicles and collagen, a type of protein found almost everywhere providing strength and support.
The hypodermis is the deepest layer and is mostly in charge of temperature regulation, consisting as it does of mostly adipose (fat) and collagen. It is also a shock-absorber, and the thick, spongy layer helps to protect the body from damage.
