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Related Concept Videos

Papillary Dermis01:11

Papillary 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...
Reticular Dermis01:15

Reticular 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...
Introduction to the Integumentary System01:25

Introduction to the Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
Layers of the Epidermis01:21

Layers 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...
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Tissue Membranes01:27

Tissue Membranes

A tissue membrane is a thin layer of cells that covers the outside of the body, the organs, internal passageways that lead to the exterior of the body, and the lining of the moveable joint cavities. There are two basic types of tissue membranes— connective tissue and epithelial membranes.
Connective Tissue Membranes
The connective tissue membrane is formed solely from connective tissue. These membranes encapsulate organs, such as the kidneys, and line our movable joints. A synovial membrane is...

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Cutting Procedures, Tensile Testing, and Ageing of Flexible Unidirectional Composite Laminates
07:53

Cutting Procedures, Tensile Testing, and Ageing of Flexible Unidirectional Composite Laminates

Published on: April 27, 2019

Natural flexible dermal armor.

Wen Yang1, Irene H Chen, Bernd Gludovatz

  • 1Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, USA.

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|November 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nature

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Comparative Anatomy

Background:

  • Flexible dermal armor provides protection in various species like fish, reptiles, and mammals.
  • Convergent evolution has led to similar dermal armor structures across diverse taxa.
  • Dermal armor offers multifunctional benefits beyond protection, including hydrodynamic and thermoregulatory roles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structural basis of flexible dermal armor in different species.
  • To understand how Nature achieves strength and flexibility in protective biological materials.
  • To explore the potential for bioinspired synthetic armor materials.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of dermal armor structures (scales and osteoderms) from selected fish, armadillos, alligators, and turtles.
  • Examination of hierarchical organization and material composition.
  • Functional analysis of dermal armor properties.

Main Results:

  • Dermal armor exhibits a hierarchical structure, integrating collagen fibers with rigid scales or osteoderms.
  • This structure enhances flexibility without compromising strength, unlike monolithic composites.
  • Multifunctionality includes hydrodynamic regulation, camouflage, and thermoregulation.

Conclusions:

  • Nature employs a hierarchical structural strategy for flexible, strong, and multifunctional dermal armor.
  • Understanding these biological designs can inspire the development of novel synthetic armor materials.
  • Bioinspired armor could offer advanced protection and functionality.