Integumentary System

Structure of Skin

Level 2By

Beauty and Holistic Therapies Faculty

Session Outcomes

• Identify the layers of the epidermis. 

• Recognise the structures within the dermis. 

• Explain the functions of the skin. 

• Describe the structures of the skin and relate these to the general functions of the skin. 

Layers of the skin

3 layers of the skin:

• Epidermis

• Dermis

• Subcutaneous layer

Layers of EpidermisLevel 2

Stratum Corneum

Stratum Lucidum

Stratum Granulosum

Stratum Spinosum

Stratum Germinativum

Stratums of the skin

Stratum Corneum• The outer layer of the skin• Made up of scale like cells which are

continuously shed

Stratum Lucidum• This is made up of small transparent

cells through which light can pass• Is only present in the palms of the

hands and soles of the feet.

Stratum Granulosum • 1-3 layers thick • The cells have distinct granules• keratin is produced Stratum Spinosum• 3-6 layers thick • The cells are constantly dividing

Stratum Germinativum • 1 layer of cells that contain melanin• The cells of the epidermis are produced

in this layer and have a distinct nuclei • These cells divide continuously by a

process known as mitosis

Structure of Dermis

The dermis contains2 layers:

Papillary Layer

Recticular Layer

Papillary Layer of Dermis

Papillary Layer• Lies directly under

the epidermis• Its thin and has

cone like projections called papillae

• It provides nutrients and oxygen to the germinating layer of the epidermis

Recticular Layer of Dermis

Reticular Layer• Lies below the

papillary layer • Contains collagen

and elastin fibres• Collagen gives the

skin a plump and youthful appearance

• Elastin gives the skin its elastic properties

AppendagesHair shaft

Nerve endings

Arrector pili muscle

Sweat gland

Dermal papilla

Hair follicle

Blood supply

Sebaceous gland

Hair shaft

The hair shaft is the part of the hair

that lies above the skins surface. Such as:• eyebrows• eyelashes• body hair • hair on the head

Hair Follicle

• The hair follicle is a small pocket in the Dermis which holds the hair while it grows

• It protects the hair

Dermal Papilla

• The dermal papilla is the blood supply for the hair and its follicle

• It provides food and oxygen

• A separate organ that serves the follicle; it is not part of the hair

Arrector Pili Muscle

• A tiny muscle attached to the hair follicle in the Dermis

• Contracts when body temperature decreases

• Pulls the skin into a goose pimple, lifting the hair and trapping warm air

Blood Supply

• Blood is supplied to the skin by small blood vessels known as Capillaries

• Blood supply provides the oxygen and nutrients that tissues require

• The Capillaries help to maintain the body temperature

Nerve Endings

Sensory nerves Sensory nerve endings send

messages toour brain to let us know what we arefeeling. Such as:• heat, cold, touch, pain and pressureMotor nervesbring messages from our brain to

bringabout a response

Sweat Gland

• Found all over the body• Regulate the body temperature by

allowing sweat to evaporate from the body

There are two different types of sweat/sudoriferous glands:• Eccrine glands -Found all over the body

and secrete a watery fluid.• Apocrine glands -Found in the underarms,

nipple and groin area and become active at puberty

Sebaceous Gland

• Are found all overthe body except palms of the handsand the soles ofthe feet• Produces thenatural oil of theskin - sebum

Subcutaneous Layer

Located under the dermis and is mainly

made up of fat cells (adipose tissue)This fatty layer of the skin provides: • Plump contours of the body• Protection• Insulation• Support• Food supply if needed

Growth & Repair

• 1 month • Stratum

Germinativum• Stratum

Granulosum• Stratum Corneum• Stratum

Germinativum• Layers

Dermis

• Papillary layer• Nerve• Blood• Capillaries• Deep• Connective

tissue• Elastin

Session Outcomes

• Identify the layers of the epidermis. 

• Recognise the structures within the dermis. 

• Explain the functions of the skin. 

• Describe the structures of the skin and relate these to the general functions of the skin.