The Human Skin

The human skin is composed of three primary layers:

• the epidermis, which provides waterproofing and serves as a barrier to infection;
• the dermis;
• the hypodermis (subcutaneous adipose layer).

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface and is made up of stratified squamous epithelium with an underlying basal lamina.

The epidermis is responsible for keeping water in the body and keeping other harmful chemicals and pathogens out, making skin a natural barrier to infection. The epidermis helps the skin to regulate body temperature and acts like a shield and protects the human body.