Did you know that the skin is the largest and heaviest organ in our body? Here are some interesting facts about our skin.
- The skin as the largest and heaviest organ. With about 2 square meters of surface area in an adult, the skin is the largest organ in our body. It is also the heaviest, weighing up to 10 kg (depending on body size). The skin accounts for approximately 10% of total body mass.
- Without skin, we would evaporate. The skin has other important functions such as being water-resistant, an insulator, and protecting the body from extreme temperatures, harmful sunlight, and toxic chemicals.
- The outermost skin cells renew themselves every month. As we age, this renewal process slows down
- The skin is composed of three layers with different structures and functions. In just one square centimeter of skin, there are around 600,000 cells, including nerve fibers, pain sensors, blood vessels, sweat glands, and temperature sensors.
- The outer layer (epidermis) primarily serves a protective function
- The dermis provides firmness and elasticity
- The subcutaneous layer (hypodermis) contains cells