The skin is the first line of defense. From the moment we wake up to the time we sleep, this
important organ system protects us from outside threats. The dermis, for example, is one layer
of the skin, located above the hypodermis which is not part of the skin.
Without this layer, our skin would not be able to return to its original position after stretching.
The dense regular connective tissues located in the dermis are what allow the latter to happen.
In addition, if this layer of the skin was nonexistent in an individual, the latter would have to live
in an environment where he cannot suffer any cuts, any environment where there are sharp
objects. A healthy diet with a good source of vitamin D is absolutely necessary to protect from
harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.
For example, the simple idea of cooking a healthy meal would be a challenge. Without the
dermis, we would lose the sense of touch in our fingertips. The reason is because our nerve cells
run along the dermis. A simple cut would leave us with the danger of getting an infection.
Eczema is an example of skin disorder that mimic this kind of problem.
The dermis is able to maintain his homeostasis by synthesizing collagen type 1 produced by our
fibroblast. This gives the dermis its toughness and durability. Our body is made of 90% of this
collagen hence why our skin isn’t easily penetrable by any foreign element.