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SKIN
Your body is covered by an epidermis that is made up of layers of cells. The uppermost layer contains dead cells that are continually rubbed off (this is what makes up a lot of the dust in our homes). Click on this link to see what thin skin looks like under a microscope.
Underneath the epidermis is some connective tissue called dermis, and under that is a thin layer of fat called the hypodermis that allows the skin to slide around when you move.
Most of the body is also covered by hair that can also be seen in this microscope section.
In some places such as the palm of the hand and sole of the foot, the skin is rather thick and does not have any hair. Click on this link to see what this thick skin looks like. Try to identify the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
Although the presence of hair follicles is unique to thin skin, one feature common to both thick and thin skin share is the presence of numerous, coiled sweat glands. Try to find a sweat gland (see below for an example).
Produced
and supported by:
The Learning Resource Center - Office of Medical Education
Department of Pathology, Virtual Microscopy Facility
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
© copyright 2005-8 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan. All rights
reserved.
Questions or comments? E-mail Dr. Michael Hortsch (hortsch@umich.edu)