What is Skin? | National Geographic

National Geographic

National Geographic

5 min, 40 sec

The video describes the complexity and functions of human skin, highlighting its role as the largest organ, its renewability, and its importance in regulating body temperature.

Summary

  • Skin acts as armor, a regulator of temperature, and a sensor for pain and pleasure.
  • The outermost layer is composed of dead cells, which we shed at a rate of 600,000 particles per hour.
  • Skin's surface hosts a vast array of bacteria and is constantly renewed every month.
  • Beneath the surface, cells divide continuously, and blood vessels and nerves connect to tissues.
  • Skin functions as a heat regulator through blood vessels and sweat glands, and displays goosebumps as a reaction to cold.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Skin

0:19 - 21 sec

The introduction provides a poetic description of skin as a protective barrier and sensory interface.

The introduction provides a poetic description of skin as a protective barrier and sensory interface.

  • Skin is described as a velvety overcoat, an armor, and the body's largest organ.
  • It is presented as both a barrier and a point of interaction for sensations of pain and pleasure.

Chapter 2

Skin's Microscopic Landscape

0:46 - 28 sec

A detailed exploration of the skin's surface under magnification reveals its complex texture and microorganisms.

A detailed exploration of the skin's surface under magnification reveals its complex texture and microorganisms.

  • At 600x magnification, skin appears as a landscape of dead cells, ridges, grooves, and pores.
  • The skin is home to hundreds of thousands of bacteria per square inch.

Chapter 3

Skin Renewal and House Dust

1:22 - 21 sec

The video discusses the process of skin shedding and its contribution to household dust.

The video discusses the process of skin shedding and its contribution to household dust.

  • Humans shed about 600,000 particles of skin per hour, contributing to household dust.
  • On average, a person sheds about a pound and a half of skin each year.

Chapter 4

Skin's Size and Regeneration

1:49 - 35 sec

The size of the skin if laid flat and its regeneration process are highlighted.

The size of the skin if laid flat and its regeneration process are highlighted.

  • If spread out, the average person's skin would cover 18 square feet and weigh around 6 pounds.
  • Skin regenerates completely about every month, replacing dead cells with new ones.

Chapter 5

Skin's Blood Supply and Nervous System

2:34 - 57 sec

The video describes the blood vessels and nerves within the skin that contribute to its functionality.

The video describes the blood vessels and nerves within the skin that contribute to its functionality.

  • Blood vessels pulse to the skin's connective tissues, and 45 miles of nerves connect to the skin.
  • Skin's sensitivity varies across the body, with hands, feet, tongue, and lips being most sensitive.

Chapter 6

Temperature Regulation by Skin

3:33 - 1 min, 22 sec

Skin's role in heating and cooling the body is explained, including how it deals with excess heat.

Skin's role in heating and cooling the body is explained, including how it deals with excess heat.

  • The skin helps maintain a comfortable body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Blood vessels can expand to release heat, and sweat glands produce sweat to cool the body down.

Chapter 7

Skin's Reaction to Cold

5:12 - 26 sec

The video shows how skin reacts to cold temperatures, causing goosebumps.

The video shows how skin reacts to cold temperatures, causing goosebumps.

  • In response to cold, muscles contract to raise body hair, creating goosebumps.
  • This reaction leads to the skin around the hairs bulging.

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