The skin is one of the largest and most important organs in our body.
The skin is composed of three layers: epidermis, papillary dermis, and reticular dermis, which are respectively composed of squamous stratified epithelium, loose connective tissue, and connective tissue containing dense collagen fibers.
Depending on the location, the thickness of the epidermis varies from 0.06 to 1 mm.
The predominant cell type in the epidermis is keratinocytes. As keratinocytes move from the basement membrane to the skin surface, several morphologically distinct epidermal layers are formed.
Skin as an organ is a multicellular structure. However, individual skin cells are microscopic and can only be viewed under a microscope.
Image: Skin under a microscope.
The general surface of the sin can be observed with a handheld stereomicroscope.
This reveals the outer surface of the skin in the form of scales and pores, spread throughout the skin.
These pores are openings for sweat and sebaceous glands located throughout the skin.
Additionally, individual hair strands can be seen close to the pores.
Under a high-power microscope, the different layers of skin can be seen.
The outermost layer of epidermis and inner layer of dermis can be seen through a compound microscope.
Cells in the epidermis appear more irregular and are formed from fewer layers, whereas cells in the dermis are more uniform and have more layers.
The nucleus is visible towards the base of the cell.
It can also be seen that the projection of the hair strands comes from the roots present inside the skin.
Additionally, ducts from different glands can be seen passing through the cells and opening on the surface of the skin.
