Layers of Epidermis / layers of dermis

Candy lickers get super big

Stratum Corneum (Horny Layer)

• Outermost layer exposed to the environment.

• Made of 15 to 30 layers of dead, flat, keratin-filled cells called corneocytes.

• Forms a barrier that prevents water loss and blocks germs.

Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)

• Thin, transparent layer of dead cells.

• Found only in "thick skin" areas like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer)

• Cells contain dark granules filled with lipids and proteins.

• water-resistant seal.

Stratum Spinosum (Spiny Layer)

• Thickest layer of the epidermis.

• Contains cell junctions (desmosomes) that hold skin cells together for strength and flexibility.

• Houses immune cells

Stratum Basale (Basal Layer)

• Deepest layer attached to the dermis.

• A single row of actively dividing stem cells that constantly produce new keratinocytes.

• Contains melanocytes (which make pigment) and Merkel cells (which sense touch).

LAYERS OF DERMIS

Papillary Dermis (Upper Layer)

• Location: The superficial layer lying directly beneath the epidermis. [1, 2]

• Structure: Made of thin, loose connective tissue with finger-like projections called dermal papillae that lock into the epidermis. [1, 2, 3]

• Function: Contains tiny blood vessels (capillaries) to supply nutrients to the epidermis, helps regulate temperature, and houses touch-sensing nerve endings. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Reticular Dermis (Lower Layer)

• Location: The deeper, thicker layer sitting above the subcutaneous fat layer. [1]

• Structure: Composed of dense, irregular connective tissue packed with thick bundles of collagen and elastic fibers. [1, 2, 3]

• Function: Provides structural strength, elasticity, and resistance to stretching or tearing. It also contains hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands, and larger blood vessels

Papillary Dermis (Upper Layer

• superficial layer directly beneath the epidermis.

• Made of loose connective tissue, thin collagen fibers, and elastic fibers. (Areolar)

• Key Features: Contains finger-like projections called dermal papillae that lock into the epidermis and tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that feed the upper skin layers.

dermal papillae- control hair growth

Reticular Dermis (Lower Layer)

• Made of dense, irregular connective tissue packed with thick bundles of collagen and interlaced elastic fibers.

• , providing strength, structure, and elasticity. It also houses hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands, and deep nerve endings.

a layer that is not part of the dermis. but sits directly under it

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer): The deepest layer made of fat and loose connective tissue that attaches the skin to your muscles and bones