Photomicrograph showing a vertical section of mammalian skin X100

Information about the human skin :

1. The skin can be divided into two layers : epidermis and dermis.

2. The outermost layer of epidermis is composed of dead cells. They are cornified to become water-proof. It can prevent water loss by evaporation.

3. The middle layer of the epidermis is composed of living cells. These cells will form the cornified layer after the outermost layer is shed off.

4. The innermost layer of the epidermis is composed of cells which can carry out mitosis. The cell division produces new cells for the middle layer. The cells of this layer also possess pigment melanin which can absorb ultra-violet light to prevent damage of inner skin.

5. The dermis is a thick layer. In this layer, we can find blood vessels, muscles, hair follicles, receptors and sweat glands.

6. Beneath this layer, there is a layer of adipose tissue which is composed of many fat cells.