Skin - it's function and structure

Functions

Protective coat - against friction, drying, ultraviolet light and bacterial invasion

Synthesis of vitamin D

Extensive sensory organ

Excretes water and salts in the sweat

Regulation of body temperature

Stores materials like glycogen and lipids

Structure

The skin is divided into two distinct layers, the epidermis and the dermis (also called the corium). These layers vary in thickness depending on where the skin is found. Usually divided into thin skin, eg arms and groin and thick skin on palms of hands and soles of the feet. Thick non-hairy skin is called glabrous (from the Latin 'glaber' meaning bald).