Epidermis and Dermis

Dermal papillae

Tiny coned shaped projections which fit into the corresponding hollows in the epidermis. They contain nerve endings and a network of blood capillaries

Sensory nerve endings (Corpuscles)

Carry impulses from the skin to the brain. These nerve endings are sensitive to heat, cold, pain, pressure and touch.

Sweat glands (sudoriferous glands)

Regulate body temperature through evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin. The eccrine gland duct found all over the body opens directly onto the surface of the skin by an opening called a pore. The apocrine glands are attached to hair follicles and are controlled by hormones.

Sebaceous glands

Secrete sebum which lubricates the skin and hair helping to keep the epidermis supple by preventing evaporation of water. It prevents excessive absorption of water from the outside, making the skin waterproof. Sebum has slight antiseptic and fungicidal properties which helps protect the skin.

Hair follicle

Allows for the growth of hair cells to form and produce our body hair which helps provide an insulating cover for the body.

Arrector pili muscle

Attached at an angle near the base of the follicle. Nerve impulses carried from the brain by motor nerves cause contraction of the muscle in attempt to make the hairs erect and trap an insulating layer of still air near the skin when the body is cold. Aggression or fright can stimulate this muscle to contract.

papillary layer of dermis

upper layer of the dermis that forms dermal papillae

reticular layer of dermis

Contains blood vessels, sweat and oil glands, and deep pressure receptors; lower dermal region.

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)

3rd layer of the skin; Consists of connective tissue which binds the skin to the underlying muscle. Adipose Tissue.

stratum corneum (find layer)

stratum lucidum (find layer)

stratum granulosum (find layer)

stratum spinosum (find layer)

stratum basale (find layer)