RT Book, Section
A1 Mescher, Anthony L.
SR Print(0)
ID 1208289836
T1 Skin
T2 Junqueira's Basic Histology: Text and Atlas, 17th Edition
YR 2024
FD 2024
PB McGraw Hill
PP New York, NY
SN 9781264932146
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1208289836
RD 2025/07/17
AB As  the  largest  single  organ  of  the  body,  the  skin  typically  accounts  for  15%–20%  of  total  body  weight  and,  in  adults,  presents  1.5–2  m2  of  surface  to  the  external  environment.  Also  known  as  the  integument  (L.  integumentum,  covering)  or  cutaneous  layer,  the  skin  consists  of  the  epidermis,  an  epithelial  layer  of  ectodermal  origin,  and  the  dermis,  a  layer  of  mesodermal  connective  tissue  (Figure  18–1).  At  the  irregular  junction  between  the  dermis  and  epidermis,  projections  called  dermal  papillae  interdigitate  with  invaginating  epidermal  ridges  to  strengthen  adhesion  of  the  two  layers.  Epidermal  derivatives  include  hairs,  nails,  and  sebaceous  and  sweat  glands.  Beneath  the  dermis  lies  the  subcutaneous  tissue  or  hypodermis  (Gr.  hypo,  under  +  derma,  skin),  a  loose  connective  tissue  layer  usually  containing  pads  of  adipocytes.  The  subcutaneous  tissue  binds  the  skin  loosely  to  the  underlying  tissues  and  corresponds  to  the  superficial  fascia  of  gross  anatomy.