Splinter Anatomy

To better understand skin foreign body, it helps to understand the anatomy of the skin.

The skin contains three main layers:

• Epidermis:
• The superficial layer that makes up the surface of the skin
• It is composed of skin cells and can be divided into 5 layers based on cell type.
• The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks.
• The thickness of the epidermis varies, according to location: it is very thick over the soles of the feet, and very thin over the ears.
• Dermis:
• Lies beneath the epidermis
• Also varies in thickness depending on the location of the skin. It is .3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back.
• The dermis is composed of 2 layers that contain a connective tissue called collagen
• The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
• The number of structures in the dermis varies, according to location.
• The dermis under the arms contains more sweat glands and hair follicles than the dermis on the back.
• Subcutaneous layer:
• Mainly fat and connective tissue.
• Contains blood vessels and nerves.

Last Updated: Jan 4, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: FreeMD - Your Virtual Doctor