BIOL 2160 Chapter : CHAPTER 7
Document Summary
The skin is an ever-changing organ that contains many specialized cells and structures. *plays an active role in the immune system protecting us from disease. structure of the 3 layers of skin: * thinnest on the eyelids at . 05 mm. *thickest on the palms and soles at 1. 5 mm. * the epidermis does not contain any blood vessels but is nourished by the capillaries in the dermis . The epidermis contains 5 layers: stratum corneum stratum licidum stratum granulosum stratum spinosum stratum basale. *stratum basale: deepest layer has cells that are shaped like columns. In this layer the cells divide and push already formed cells into higher layers. As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die. *stratum corneum: top layer of the epidermis is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks.
