Skin

Overview

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and although it is not truly part of the Musculoskeletal System, it has many structural and functional similarities to Bones and Muscles. It is composed of many of the same Connective Tissues that surround them. Most skin growth occurs within the Stratum Germinativum (Basal Layer) of the epidermis. Skin replaces itself approximately every 27 days—it continually produces a horny protective covering of proteins through the process of keratinization and regularly sheds its outermost layer of dead cells through exfoliation.

  Skin comprises 16% of total body weight.

 Skin - Substances that Enhance

 Skin - Topical Substances that Enhance

 Skin - Food and Herbal Enhancement

Excretory System

 The Skin is responsible for excreting some waste products, such as Sweat, from the body.

Immune System

 The Skin is regarded as an “outposted” component of the Immune System:

 The Skin helps to protect the body from invasion by Detrimental Microorganisms.

 Langerhans Cells in the Skin control the majority of the Skin’s Immune System functions.

Nervous System

 The Skin contains Receptors for the Senses of Touch, Pain, and Temperature (thermoregulation, thermostatic function).

Water Balance

 The Skin helps to maintain the body’s Water Balance.  It helps prevent excessive water loss (Dehydration).

 Lipids comprise 2% of the Skin.

 Minerals comprise 0.5% of the Skin.

 Proteins comprise 25.5% of the Skin.

 Water comprises 70% of the Skin.

 Other substances comprise 2% of the Skin.

Carbohydrates

 Excessive consumption of Simple Sugars may cause Cross-Linking (glycosylation) of the Collagen in Skin, resulting in Wrinkles.