Skin

(Skin layers)

Human skin is a large organ, weighing an average of 4kg and covering an area of two square meters.

According to some sources, the skin has four general components, the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and appendages. Other sources define the skin as the epidermis and dermis only. The MeSH classification from the NIH uses this approach.

The major function of the skin is to act as a barrier against an inhospitable environment.

There are many skin diseases, and dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with those diseases.

According to some, the term "integumentary system" is synonymous with the word "skin."

Other sources (such as Stedman's medical dictionary) define "integument" as the skin plus the hair, nails, and glands.