Dermic

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dermic refers to anything related to the skin, the largest organ of the human body. It is derived from the Greek word "derma", which means skin. The skin is a complex system that plays a crucial role in protecting the body from external factors such as pathogens and excessive water loss. Its other functions include insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, and the production of vitamin D folates.

Structure of the Skin[edit | edit source]

The skin is composed of three primary layers: the epidermis, the outermost layer that provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone; the dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands; and the deeper subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and connective tissue.

Epidermis[edit | edit source]

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface and is made up of stratified squamous epithelium with an underlying basal lamina.

Dermis[edit | edit source]

The dermis is the second layer of skin, and is much thicker than the epidermis. The dermis is a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles, and sebaceous (oil) glands. Here, you'll also find collagen and elastin, two proteins necessary for skin health because they offer support and elasticity.

Hypodermis[edit | edit source]

The hypodermis is the deepest layer of skin. The hypodermis consists of fat and connective tissues that house larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer is responsible for the temperature regulation of the skin and the body.

Functions of the Skin[edit | edit source]

The skin has multiple roles in the body. These include:

  • Protection: The skin acts as a barrier that limits the loss of water from the body and prevents harmful microbes from entering the body.
  • Regulation: It helps regulate body temperature through sweat and hair, and also has extensive networks of nerve cells that detect and relay changes in the environment.
  • Sensation: Skin contains numerous sensory receptors that detect pain, temperature, pressure, and touch stimuli.
  • Endocrine: The skin has an endocrine function, in that it produces vitamin D in response to exposure to ultraviolet light.

Dermic Diseases[edit | edit source]

There are many diseases that can affect the skin, including dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, skin cancer, and rosacea. These conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms, including redness, itching, peeling, and inflammation. Treatment for skin diseases can vary widely depending on the specific condition and its severity.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Dermic Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD