Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Skin thickness of Korean adults
1Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 28 Yeongun-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul, 100-744, Korea.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|October 11, 2002
Summary
This study details Korean skin thickness across 28 body regions, finding significant variation. These measurements, particularly of epidermis and dermis, are crucial for skin grafting procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Skin thickness is known to vary by race, age, sex, and body region.
- Previous studies on skin thickness have lacked detailed data for Asian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically document the thickness of normal skin across 28 distinct regions in Korean men and women.
- To provide precise anatomical data on skin thickness for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 452 skin biopsies from 28 different anatomical sites on healthy Korean individuals.
- Utilized hematoxylin-eosin staining for microscopic examination and measurement of skin layers (epidermis and dermis).
Main Results:
- Overall skin thickness ranged from 521 to 1977 micrometers, with the thinnest on the eyelid, prepuce, and inguinal areas, and thickest on the back.
- Epidermal thickness varied significantly (31-637 micrometers), being notably thicker on the palm and sole (601-637 micrometers).
- Dermal thickness ranged from 469 to 1942 micrometers, with the thickest layer on the back.
Conclusions:
- Established comprehensive data on Korean skin thickness, highlighting regional variations in epidermis and dermis.
- The collected thickness data is valuable for optimizing the technique and outcomes of full- and split-thickness skin grafting procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Cells of the Epidermis
The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
01:11Papillary Dermis
Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
01:02Hypodermis
The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
01:20Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft is pushed through the follicle toward the surface. Keratinization is completed as the cells are pushed to the skin surface to form the shaft of hair that is externally visible. The external hair is completely dead and composed entirely of keratin. Hair can be cut or shaven without damaging the hair structure because the cut is superficial. Most...
01:21Layers of the Epidermis
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
01:15Reticular Dermis
The papillary and reticular dermis are the two layers of the dermis. They are made of connective tissue with fibers of collagen extending from one to the other, making the border between the two somewhat indistinct. The dermal papillae extending into the epidermis belong to the papillary layer, whereas the dense collagen fiber bundles below belong to the reticular layer.
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...