The reticular dermis consists of a thicker layer of dense connective tissue containing larger blood vessels, closely interlaced elastic fibres and thicker bundles of collagen White and Butcher, It also contains fibroblasts, mast cells, nerve endings, lymphatics and epidermal appendages. Surrounding these structures is a viscous gel that:.
Specialised dermal cells and structures. The fibroblast is the major cell type of the dermis and its main function is to synthesise collagen, elastin and the viscous gel within the dermis. Mast cells contain granules of vasoactive chemicals the main one being histamine. They are involved in moderating immune and inflammatory responses in the skin Graham-Brown and Bourke, Blood vessels in the dermis form a complex network and play an important part in thermoregulation.
These vessels can be divided into two distinct networks:. The lymphatic drainage of the skin is important, the main function being to conserve plasma proteins and scavenge foreign material, antigenic substances and bacteria Amirlak and Shahabi, Free sensory nerve endings are found in the dermis as well as the epidermis Merkel cells and detect pain, itch and temperature.
The autonomic nerves supply the blood vessels and sweat glands and arrector pili muscles attached to the hair Gawkrodger, The hypodermis is the subcutaneous layer lying below the dermis; it consists largely of fat. It provides the main structural support for the skin, as well as insulating the body from cold and aiding shock absorption. It is interlaced with blood vessels and nerves. Within this, it performs several important and vital physiological functions, as outlined below Graham-Brown and Bourke, This is achieved by alterations to the blood flow through the cutaneous vascular bed.
The secretion and evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin also helps to cool the body. This is important for patients with a skin condition, as pain and itching can be extreme for many and cause great distress. Also touch is important for many patients who feel isolated by their skin as a result of colour, disease or the perceptions of others as many experience the fact that they are seen as dirty or contagious and should not be touched.
The skin is an important immunological organ, made up of key structures and cells. Depending on the immunological response, a variety of cells and chemical messengers cytokines are involved. These specialised cells and their functions will be covered later.
The skin is involved in several biochemical processes. In the presence of sunlight, a form of vitamin D called cholecalciferol is synthesised from a derivative of the steroid cholesterol in the skin. The liver converts cholecalciferol to calcidiol, which is then converted to calcitriol the active chemical form of the vitamin in the kidneys. Vitamin D is essential for the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which are required for healthy bones Biga et al, The skin also contains receptors for other steroid hormones oestrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids and for vitamin A.
How an individual is perceived by others is important. People make judgements based on what they see and may form their first impression of someone based on how that person looks. Throughout history, people have been judged because of their skin, for example, due to its colour or the presence of a skin condition or scarring. Skin conditions are visible — in this skin-, beauty- and image-conscious society, the way patients are accepted by other people is an important consideration for nurses.
This article gives an overview of the structure and functions of the skin. Part 2 will provide an overview of the accessory structures of the skin and their functions. Tagged with: Newly qualified nurses: systems of life. Sign in or Register a new account to join the discussion. You are here: Dermatology. Skin 1: the structure and functions of the skin. This article has been double-blind peer reviewed Scroll down to read the article or download a print-friendly PDF here if the PDF fails to fully download please try again using a different browser Assess your knowledge and gain CPD evidence by taking the Nursing Times Self-assessment test Read part 2 of this series here.
Biga LM et al Anatomy and Physiology. The integumentary system 5. Collagen decreases in quality as the body ages and can be a sign of ageing, causing wrinkles and sagging. This second layer of skin also contains nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles and blood vessels — each with their own functions and purposes. Nerve endings detect temperature, touch, pressure, pain and any other outside stimuli which could cause harm to the skin. They serve to protect us from the environment around us and are a vital component of the dermis, which keeps humans safe from burns and helps us to appreciate the sensation of touching something pleasant.
Hair follicles produce hair which acts as protection against injury, whilst regulating body temperature. The production of sweat is vitally important as it helps the body to cool down in response to heat or stress.
Sebum helps to keep the skin moist and helps prevent the entry of harmful substances. Blood vessels have two primary functions: to carry nutrients and waste to and from where we need them and to dilate and contract to release or retain heat. This keeps the body warm or cold depending on external temperatures.
The final layer of skin that humans have is the hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia. To help care for your skin during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, the AAD recommends these tips from board-certified dermatologists. You can get a rash from poison ivy any time of the year.
You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Having acne can feel devastating for a teenager. Here are 5 things you can do to help your teen. Find out what helps. If your child develops scabies, everyone in your household will need treatment. Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively. We're helping you achieve YourHealthiestSkin from head to toe.
Use these tips from dermatologists to keep all your skin looking and feeling its best. AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun. When it comes to treating the skin, plenty of people say they have expertise.
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