Skin:The skin serves as the body's external shield, safeguarding it against heat, light, injuries, and infections. It plays a crucial role in controlling body temperature and storing water and fat. Weighing approximately 6 pounds, the skin is the largest organ of the body. It consists of two primary layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, or the outer layer, is primarily composed of flat, scale-like cells known as squamous cells. Beneath these are basal cells, which are round in shape. The deepest region of the epidermis houses melanocytes, cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The dermis, or inner layer, contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands that produce sweat and sebum. Sweat aids in temperature regulation, while sebum, an oily substance, prevents skin dryness. Both sweat and sebum reach the skin's surface through small openings known as pores.
