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Skin Dermis Warm Greetings, We explored last week the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. Today let's go a bit deeper and see what's in the second layer (all information are compiled from the "life Science' course). The second layer of the outer membrane is the living layer of cells. It is known as the stratum malphighii or germinatium, meaning germinating layer. It is also known as the dermal layer or dermis. The human dermis is a beehive of activity. It's complicity and design is cause of wonder. Every 2.5 square centimeter of the human skin contains the following: 78 nerves, 650 sweat glands, 19 or 20 tiny blood vessels, 78 apparatuses for heat, 13 sensory apparatuses for cold, 1300 nerve endings to record pain, 19500 sensory cells at the ends of the nerve fibers, 160 to 165 pressure apparatuses for the sense of touch, 95 to 100 sebaceous glands, 65 hairs and muscles, 19.500.000.000 individual cells. We also know that our skin covers an area of some 258 square meters and can weigh as much as 2.75 kg The mucus membrane is a term applied to that portion of the outer skin which lines the internal cavities of the body. There are 3 general kinds of membranes 1- The outer skin or epidermis, which we have just discussed. 2- The fibrous membranes which surround all the bones, the cartilages and tendons and which also line the spinal canal and the cavity of the skull. 3- The serous membranes which line the closed cavities, such as those found in the abdomen. This membrane also surrounds all of the various organs resident within the cavities. The specific purpose of the fibrous and serous membranes is to cover and line all the parts they service, to help hold them in their assigned positions, to secrete a special fluid which moistens and lubricates parts as they are caused to move one upon the other by the body movements and activity, and to absorb any fluid which may, by one means or another, find its way into their field of operation. The passageways of the inner body are lined with mucous membranes. All the various tubes for ingress and egress are lined with mucous membranes and anything, which enters or leaves the inner sanctum, must perforce pass through and over these membranous surfaces. This membrane furnishes the appropriate tubes and organs for conveyance, exhalation, elimination, and perhaps other necessary functions. It also furnishes appropriate mucilaginous substances (mucus) as and when required and for a multitude of necessary body processes such as digestion. As we can readily see, the skin is a part of every nook and cranny within the living body. Except for the extreme outer layer of cells of the epidermis, it is a wondrously alive part of the whole, and actively concerned in some manner with just about every function that takes place within the body. This is why its nutritional upkeep is so very important to the maintenance of a high level of systemic health. As the body is nourished, so is the skin nourished and as the skin functions in health it contributes positively to the health of the whole. Enough information to ponder for one week! Next week we will take a closer look at the functions of the skin. Wishing you an enchanted week, The crazy Nut team P.S. If you have missed any of the previous articles and would like to read them, please visit our archives at http://crazynut.theshoppe.com