Anatomy

Authors: Rami Mossad Ibrahim, MD, Elisabeth Lauritzen, MD, Frederik Gulmark Hansen med.stud., Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD and Rikke Holmgaard, Consultant, Burns Specialist, MD, PhD

The skin is composed three different of layers: The epidermis, the dermis, and the sub-dermal tissue.

The epidermis is the most superficial layer. It works as a mechanical barrier, preventing both potential pathogens from entering the body and fluid from leaving the body.

The dermis forms the second layer and contains collagen and elastin fibers, providing elasticity and strength to the skin.

Thermo- and mechanoreceptors, sweat-, sebaceous- and apocrine glands, blood- and lymphatic vessels are located in the deep dermal layer of the skin.

Below the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue which mostly consists of adipose tissue and interstitial fluid.

Acknowledgements

Illustrations: Christian Kaare Paaskesen, med.stud.