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. 2012 Jul 3;5:15–25. doi: 10.4137/IJTR.S9835

Table 1.

Main layers of human skin including their composition and function.

Skin layer Composition Function
Epidermis
  • – Stratified squamous epithelium

  • – Keratinocytes

  • – Melanocytes

  • – Langerhan cells

  • – Merkel cells

  • – Immune defense

  • – Filter out UV damage

  • – Produce pigmentation

  • – Defense against pathogens

  • – Moderate temperature

Dermis
  • – Collagen fibrils

  • – Fibroblasts

  • – Phagocytes

  • – Lymphocytes

  • – Langerhan cells

  • – Mast cells

  • – Pliability

  • – Tensile strength

  • – Elasticity

Hypodermis
  • – Subcutaneous fat – Insulation

  • – Calorie reserve

  • – Cushioning and shock absorption