Fundamentals of the Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, accounting for about 15% of the total body weight. The healthy skin is beautiful, soft, smooth, and exerts multiple vital protective functions given that it serves as the first protection system against mechanical and chemical trauma, toxins, harmful radiations, and invasions of pathogenic microorganisms, helps in regulating body temperature, and is essential for the maintenance of hydro-electrolyte balance, heat, and superficial somatic sensitivity. The skin is an indispensable cover for the proper functioning of an organism, and every plastic surgeon must understand and master the anatomy and essential functions of the human skin. This chapter will attempt to provide a concise overview of the anatomy and physiology of the skin.