Skin

The largest organ of the body

21 sq feet, 1.5 – 2 sq meters

4 kilograms, 9 pds, 7-15% of total body weight

Varies in thickness from 1/50 inch (0.5 mm) in the eyelids to 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) in the soles of the feet

Changes in the skin often indicate the presence of other body system disorders including anemia,
respiratory disorders, liver disorders, cancer, and shock

Each inch of skin contains 15 ft of blood vessels

The body sloughs off about 500 million cells a day; 1 ½ pounds per year

Skin (cutaneous)

The top layer is full of keratin and hardened (cornified) to prevent water loss

The rich capillary network and sweat glands help regulate heat loss from surface

It is a mini-excretory system- loses urea, water and salts

Manufactures proteins important to immunity and synthesizes Vitamin A, D & K. (vit D synthesis very
important)

Cutaneous sensory receptors

provide info about the

environment