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What is skin? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
You probably already have a pretty good idea of what your skin is, because your body is covered by it! But aside from what you can see, what exactly is it, and what is it made of?
Doctors and scientists actually classify skin as the body’s largest organ, and describe it as being made up of layers – the epidermis on the outside, the dermis right below it, and a layer of fatty tissue below that. Each layer has it’s own special job!
The epidermis is in charge of protecting your body from germs and dirt in the outside world. The little units which make up your skin are called “skin cells” and your epidermis is constantly renewing itself with fresh new skin cells while naturally getting rid of the old ones to keep it working well!
The dermis is filled with other important things such as blood vessels, glands to help you sweat, and nerves that send messages to your body about when you are hurt, cold, hot, and more! The final layer (called subcutaneous fatty tissue) is what protects you from the cold and helps to store energy.
All together, your skin keeps you properly covered and ready to take on the world!
The skinny on skin!
Can you imagine what it would be like to live without skin on the outside of your body? Do you think that you would get sick more easily? How might you look differently?
What are some other things you can think of that have protective “skins”?? Animals all certainly have skins, but there are also many things and objects with outer coatings that we describe as “skins”. Many fruits and vegetables have skins. The filmy layer on top of pudding is also a funny example, and the “skin” or “casing” of a sausage is another!
What others can you name??
Doctors and scientists actually classify skin as the body’s largest organ, and describe it as being made up of layers – the epidermis on the outside, the dermis right below it, and a layer of fatty tissue below that. Each layer has it’s own special job!
The epidermis is in charge of protecting your body from germs and dirt in the outside world. The little units which make up your skin are called “skin cells” and your epidermis is constantly renewing itself with fresh new skin cells while naturally getting rid of the old ones to keep it working well!
The dermis is filled with other important things such as blood vessels, glands to help you sweat, and nerves that send messages to your body about when you are hurt, cold, hot, and more! The final layer (called subcutaneous fatty tissue) is what protects you from the cold and helps to store energy.
All together, your skin keeps you properly covered and ready to take on the world!
- The difference between the layers of your skin is too small to see with just your eyes, so don’t worry if you’ve never noticed it before!
- Your skin is very important to your health so you should always take care of it! Wear sunscreen when you are outside and wash out any cuts on your skin with help from an adult!
The skinny on skin!
Can you imagine what it would be like to live without skin on the outside of your body? Do you think that you would get sick more easily? How might you look differently?
What are some other things you can think of that have protective “skins”?? Animals all certainly have skins, but there are also many things and objects with outer coatings that we describe as “skins”. Many fruits and vegetables have skins. The filmy layer on top of pudding is also a funny example, and the “skin” or “casing” of a sausage is another!
What others can you name??
- "skin." Compton
- “Skin, nails, and hair.” First Human Body Encyclopedia. Ed. Penny Smith. 1 vol. New York: DK Publishing Inc., 2005. 68-69.