The skin is the largest organ of the body.

According to
Amirlak (2013), it covers the external surface of the human body
and is the principal site of interaction with the surrounding world.
She added that the skin has other important functions which
include protection, sensory perception and thermoregulation. The
skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and
subcutaneous tissue. Jourdain (2009) stated that the outermost
skin layer, also known as the epidermis, acts as the body's first
line of defense against intruders, such as germs, and the
elements.

According to Brannon (2014), the epidermis is divided into

five layers. One layer is present only in certain parts of the body
while four of these layers are mainly composed of keratinocytes,
the most common type of skin cells responsible for the production
of keratin. Keratin is a protein that provides strength to the skin,
hair and nails (Brannon, 2014; DiChiara, 2014). Brannon (2014)
explained that starting from the bottom, the first and innermost

layer is the stratum basale which is responsible for the renewal of

epidermal cells. It consists of column-shaped cells that divide very
frequently. Out of these dividing cells, half of them differentiate
and move to the next layer while the other half stays in the basal
layer and continue to divide. The cells that move to the second
layer, the stratum spinosum, change from being columnar to
polygonal and start to synthesize keratin. (Brannon, 2014) The
production of keratin proteins and water-proofing lipids occurs in
the succeeding layer, known as the stratum granulosum. Brannon
(2014) explained that the fourth layer, the stratum lucidum, is
only present in thick skin such as the palms and soles (Kent &
Carr, 2004) where it helps reduce friction and shear forces
between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. The last
layer, the stratum corneum, is composed of cells known as
corneocytes. Corneocytes form the protective outer layer of the
skin (O'Lenick, 2011). The outermost layer is responsible for
maintaining the integrity and hydration of the skin. Brannon
(2014) stressed that complex processes are at work in the
stratum corneum and disruptions of any of these processes can
cause a variety of skin problems.

Since the epidermis serves as the protective shield that

works to help bodies repel damaging bacteria and viruses
(Jourdain, 2009), it is important that the skin is properly taken
care of. Formulating an effective skin care routine, avoiding the
harmful rays of the sun, eating right and getting enough sleep are
just some ways on how to achieve healthy skin. Although
appearance might not be the most crucial function of the
epidermis, this layer of cells does act as the person's face to the
world (Jourdain, 2009).

References:
Amirlak,

B.

(2013).

Skin

anatomy.

Retrieved

from

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1294744-overview#a1
Brannon,

H.

(2014).

Epidermis

anatomy.

Retrieved

from

http://dermatology.about.com/od/anatomy/ss/epidermis_5.htm
DiChiara, T. (2014). What are keratinocytes? Retrieved from
http://skincancer.about.com/od/glossary/g/keratinocyte.htm
Jourdain, S. (2009). Why is it important to care for the epidermis?
Retrieved

from

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-

care/information/anatomy/care-for-the-epidermis.htm
Kent, G. C., & Carr, R.K. (2004). Comparative anatomy of the
vertebrates. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
O'Lenick, A.J. (2011). Comparatively speaking: Keratinocyte vs.
corneocyte.

Retrieved

from

http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/research/biology/1302327
83.html