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Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach Weiss Cosmetic and Laser Procedures explains that the skin is generally the outer covering of the body. In humans, it is the largest organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of ectodermal tissue, and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is similar to that of most other mammals except that it is not protected by a pelt and appears hairless though in fact nearly all human skin is covered with hair follicles. There are two general types of skin, hairy and glabrous skin. The adjective cutaneous literally means “of the skin” from Latin cutis, skin.
According to Dr. Weiss, skin plays a key role in protecting the body against pathogens and excessive water loss. Its other functions are insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, synthesis of vitamin D, and the protection of vitamin B folates. Severely damaged skin will try to heal by forming scar tissue. In humans, skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range from dry to oily. Such skin variety provides a rich and diverse habit for bacteria which number roughly a 1000 species from 19 phyla.
Skin Functions
Skin performs the following functions, provided by Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach:
1.Protection: an anatomical barrier from pathogens and damage between the internal and external environment in bodily defense; Langerhans cells in the skin are part of the adaptive immune system.
2.Sensation: contains a variety of nerve endings that react to heat and cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury; see somatosensory system and haptics.
3.Heat regulation: the skin contains a blood supply far greater than its requirements which allows precise control of energy loss by radiation, convection and conduction. Dilated blood vessels increase perfusion and heatloss, while constricted vessels greatly reduce cutaneous blood flow and conserve heat.
4.Control of evaporation: the skin provides a relatively dry and semi-impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Loss of this function contributes to the massive fluid loss in burns.
5.Aesthetics and communication: others see our skin and can assess our mood, physical state and attractiveness.
6.Storage and synthesis: acts as a storage center for lipids and water, as well as a means of synthesis of vitamin D by action of UV on certain parts of the skin.
7.Excretion: sweat contains urea; however its concentration is 1/130th that of urine, hence excretion by sweating is at most a secondary function to temperature regulation.
8.Absorption: In addition, medicine can be administered through the skin, by ointments or by means of adhesive patch, such as the nicotine patch or iontophoresis. The skin is an important site of transport in many other organisms.
9.Water resistance: The skin acts as a water resistant barrier so essential nutrients aren’t washed out of the body.
Skin layers
Skin is composed of three primary layers:
- the epidermis, which provides waterproofing and serves as a barrier to infection;
- the dermis, which serves as a location for the appendages of skin; and
- the hypodermis (subcutaneous adipose layer).
Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach, our Certified Medical Director, is the chosen surgeon by so many patients from around the world as well as other doctors and their families because of personalized care, training, clinical experience, patient-centered medicine, research interests and patented inventions, and many pioneering ‘firsts’ that, collectively, are reflective of his status as a caring, state-of-the-art surgeon.
Ultimately, Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach thinks that the choice of a surgeon is personal and intuitive. Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach believes that one of the most important aspects of a surgeon that can’t be listed or adequately described is his personality, morality, compassion and “bedside manner”. You are invited to interview Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach personally by contacting us to schedule a private no-charge consultation in his Newport Beach office adjacent to Fashion Island.
Richard A. Weiss MD of Newport Beach
360 San Miguel Drive, Suite 403
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. Weiss’ office is located in the heart of Newport Beach, directly opposite Macy’s and the Apple store in Fashion Island. Ample free parking is available.