To begin with, the skin is the largest organ of the human body that plays a very important role in protecting our species from any external danger. It simultaneously keeps the internal space safe and highly secure without any movement obstructions. Furthermore, skin can be described by multiple significant functions that are worthy of being mentioned. First, skin provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal, and physical injury and hazardous substances, as well as prevents loss of moisture (Mauldin, 2016). Second, this protective organ prevents loss of moisture and reduces the harmful effects of UV radiation. Third, its is obviously acts as a sensory organ – the feeling of touch, the detection of temperature. Moreover, skin not only helps people understand the temperature of the surrounding space but also regulates temperature levels within the body, so it does not overheat or freeze.
The skin consists of the basal layer, which is the deep germinative layer of the epidermis that is composed of a single layer of cuboidal to low columnar cells resting on the basement membrane zone. It also includes the prickle cell layer that is characterized by prominent intercellular bridges that are the desmosomal attachments between cells. Furthermore, the skin has the stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum. Several steps must occur for cornification to proceed normally: formation of lipid lamellar bilayers, replacement of the cell membrane with a thick cornified envelope, bundling of keratin to establish the corneocyte core and active desquamation.
It is essential to mention examples of the pathophysiology of the skin. Alterations in any step of the aforementioned cornification can lead to hyperkeratosis, clinical scaling, and decreased barrier function. To sum up, people should be more aware of the various functioning abilities of human skin and monitor its health.
References
Mauldin, E. A., & Peters-Kennedy, J. (2016). Integumentary system. Jubb, Kennedy & Palmer’s Pathology of Domestic Animals: Volume 1, 509.