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Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
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Sensory Functions of the Skin01:16

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The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
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Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

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Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
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Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

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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...
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Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails01:05

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

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Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
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Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

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The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
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Within Our Skin.

T Salinas1, M Piquette-Miller1

  • 1Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada.

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|September 22, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The skin, our largest organ, acts as a vital protective barrier against external harm. Its physiological importance to overall health is undeniable, extending beyond its role in social interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Human Physiology
  • Integrative Biology

Background:

  • The skin serves as the primary interface between the body and the external environment.
  • Numerous cultural expressions highlight the perceived resilience and aesthetic qualities of skin.
  • Beyond psychological associations, the skin's physiological functions are critical for maintaining health.

Discussion:

  • The skin's role as a protective barrier is paramount for preventing internal damage from environmental factors.
  • Understanding the skin's complex physiology is essential for appreciating its contribution to overall well-being.
  • The interface between skin, society, and health requires further interdisciplinary investigation.

Key Insights:

  • The skin is the body's largest organ and a critical physiological barrier.
  • Its protective functions are essential for safeguarding internal systems from external threats.
  • The skin's importance extends beyond superficial perceptions to fundamental health.

Outlook:

  • Future research should explore the intricate relationship between the skin's barrier functions and systemic health.
  • Investigating the psychological and physiological interplay at the skin's surface offers new avenues for health science.
  • Continued study of the skin's multifaceted roles will enhance our understanding of human health and resilience.