Skin is a waterproof, flexible, but tough protective covering for your body. Normally the surface is smooth, punctuated only with hair and pores for sweat. A cross-section of skin shows the major parts. It is divided into three layers. The outer layer is the epidermis. The dermis is in the middle and fat forms this layer. Blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, oil glands and sweat glands are located in the dermis.
The third major layer, beneath the dermis is the hypodermis.
The major function of skin is to provide a barrier between you and the outside environment. Without this protective covering, your life on earth would be impossible. The outermost layer of the epidermis is made up of sheets of dead cells that serve as the major waterproof barrier to the environment. In addition, special cells inside the epidermis produce brown pigment which helps protect you from ultraviolet light.
The middle layer, the dermis, provides a tough, flexible foundation for the epidermis. In the dermis, sweat glands and blood vessels help to regulate body temperature, and nerve endings send the sensations of pain, itching, touch, and temperature to the brain. Oil glands produce a substance called sebum which helps to moisturize the skin. The fat under the dermis provides insulation and helps store calories.
The term for shedding of the skin is sloughing. The dead cells fall of and are constantly replaced.
2007-01-25 00:57:24
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answer #1
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answered by jigsawinc 4
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exfoliation,
sloughing
are two terms used for the natural shedding of skin
dead cells that have lost their nucleus , are normally shed
it is only the outside layer ( epidermis ) that sheds
to make room for new cells ,
Function of the epidermis protects the dermis ( true skin ) from abrasion, sun damage ,invasive infection ,etc
Further reading will also help clarify the important functions of the skin in general .
>^,,^<
The Whole Story on Skin
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Skin -
In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system made up ... On some animals the skin is very hard and thick, and can be processed to ...
Quick Links: Layers - Functions - Hygiene
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin -
2007-01-25 01:04:46
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answer #2
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answered by sweet-cookie 6
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exfoliation is the normal sheding of skin
sloughing - that is the same word that is used for snakes when they shed their skin - (pronounced 'sluffing' can happen where larger areas of skin are shed when a wound is healing
2007-01-25 20:27:50
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answer #3
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answered by frogg135 5
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Ecdysis
2007-01-25 00:41:01
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answer #4
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answered by jenivive 6
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I haven't heard it used before. Mostly people refer to it as sloughing. Hope that helps!
2016-05-23 22:01:11
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answer #5
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answered by ? 4
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snakeism. and it's a very dangerous disorder. soon after you begin, your tongue becomes biforcated, your legs lengthen and join, and your arms shrink to almost nothing. a disappearance of vocal chords soon follows and is replaced by a distinct hissing sound. a nasty temper is the next step, with a wiggling of the toes to accompany any tantrum that is soon to strike. your two front teeth sharpen and a venomous liquid begins to pour from sacs that are grown from behind them. see a doctor before this weekend.
2007-01-25 00:48:55
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Peeling?
2007-01-25 00:40:09
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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exfoliation
exfoliate (v.) To cast off in scales, flakes, or splinters.
exfoliate (v.) To come off or separate into flakes, scales, or layers.
2007-01-25 00:40:20
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answer #8
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answered by Squirrley Temple 7
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exfoliate
2007-01-25 00:45:36
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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exfoliate
2007-01-25 00:40:40
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answer #10
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answered by Robert P 6
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