*Epidermis-
this is the thinner of the two layers of the skin and serves as a
tough protective cover for the underlying dermis .It is made up of
numerous layers of cells the innermost of which consist of living
cube-shaped cells that divide rapidly, providing cells for the outer
layers. By the time these cell reach the outer layers, they have died
and become flattened, before being sloughed off by abrasion. The epidermis
has no blood supply of its own, and depends upon diffusion of nutrients
from the plentiful supply of blood to the dermis below
*Dermis-this
is the thicker layer of the skin, which lies protected under the epidermis
it is composed of connective tissue which has elastic fibres to keep
it stretchy, and collagen fibres for strength. The dermis contains
a rich supply of blood vessels as well as numerous sensory nerve endings.
Lying within this layer are the other important structures of the
integumentary system, including hair follicles and oil (sebaceous)
and sweat glands.
