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7.2. The skin and its parts
The major components of the system are the following:
¾ Skin
¾ Hair
¾ Nails
These components not only reflect person’s general health status, they also serve as
indicators of more general disturbances.
7.2.1. The Skin
¾ The skin is the boundary between ourselves (the internal organs) & what is
around us)
¾ It reflects internal changes and reacts to changes in the environment
¾ It is composed of tissue that:
- Grows
- Differentiates &
- Renews itself
The entire layer of the epidermis is replaced about every 15 to 30 days,
depending on its location. This cell turnover is greatly accelerated in such
diseases as psoriasis.
7.2.2. Functions of the Skin
1. Protect cells and their internal environment
2. Structural barrier to invading micro-organisms
3. Temperature regulation
4. Lubrication and water proofing
5. Sensation
6. Formation of vitamins D
7. Immunological sensitization
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