The subcutaneous fat layer is the deepest layer of skin. It consists of a network of collagen and fat cells. It helps conserve the body's heat and protects the body from injury by acting as a shock absorber. Show The skin is the body’s largest organ. It has two main layers which serve a number of important functions. These layers are called the epidermis (the outer layer) and the dermis (the middle layer). The subcutaneous tissue lies below the skin. Functions of the SkinThe skin serves many important functions, which include:
The EpidermisThe epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. It itself has a number of different layers. It is a waterproof protective layer made up of many different cells. From the bottom upwards, the layers of the epidermis are:
The epidermis is avascular – it has no blood vessels directly in the layer. Veins and arteries are found just deep to the epidermis. Nutrients and oxygen diffuse into this layer from the bloodstream. DermisThe dermis is mainly made up of connective tissue. It is also organised into regions. It is connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The connection between the dermis and the epidermis is tight, and looking under the microscope, there are finger-like extensions from the top layer of the dermis extending upwards to the epidermis. The dermis contains a lot of collagen, a type of tissue that gives the dermis strength, and also elastin, which gives elastic properties to the dermis.The top layer of the dermis is called the papillary dermis, so named for the finger-like projections (papillae) which project upwards to the epidermis. It is very vascular, containing lots of blood vessels which supply the dermis and indirectly, the epidermis. It also contains a special type of receptor, called Meissner’s corpuscles. Meissner’s corpuscles are specialised nerve endings which detect touch and vibration. Within the papillary dermis, the main type of connective tissue is called loose connective tissue. The loose connective tissue here is strong enough to hold the dermis, epidermis and blood vessels together. Since it is not very rigid, it is also flexible and helps to cushion the skin; providing a healthy medium of both strength and elasticity. The deeper layer of the dermis is called the reticular dermis. It is much thicker than the papillary layer and contains a number of important structures. The main type of connective tissue in the dermis is dense, irregular connective tissue which is much stronger than the loose connective tissue in the papillary dermis. The reticular dermis provides most of the overall strength of the skin. Also located in the reticular dermis are the sweat glands and hair follicles. The sweat glands have ducts which open up onto the surface of the skin. In the reticular dermis, there is another type of touch receptor, called Pacinian Corpuscles. These corpuscles are involved in the detection of deep touch and vibrations. The reticular dermis also contains larger blood vessels than those found in the papillary dermis. Subcutaneous Tissue (Hypodermis)The hypodermis is under the dermis. It contains a lot of adipose (fatty) tissue, as well as macrophages (cells of the immune system) and collagen. It also contains blood vessels and nerves. Due to the number of blood vessels, the hypodermis is the layer of the skin that insulin and other therapeutic drugs are injected into to increase absorption. The main function of the hypodermis is to store fat – up to half of the body’s fat is stored in the hypodermis. The fat in this layer is important to provide insulation to help keep the body warm and it is also involved in shock absorption and energy storage. Which layer of the skin stores fat and helps keep the body warm?The subcutis is also known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer, and functions as both an insulator, conserving the body's heat, and as a shock-absorber, protecting the inner organs. It also stores fat as an energy reserve for the body.
Which layer of the skin keeps the body warm?The subcutaneous fat layer is the deepest layer of skin. It consists of a network of collagen and fat cells. It helps conserve the body's heat and protects the body from injury by acting as a shock absorber.
What is the inner layer of the skin that stores fat?The subcutaneous layer is located underneath the dermis and is one of the three layers of the skin. It is the deepest skin layer, composed of fat cells, collagen, blood vessels, and nerves.
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