Cutaneous Membrane Research Paper

Cutaneous membrane also know as the skin. The cutaneous membrane actually has a surface area of over 20 feet and is actually an organ, comprised of all four tissue types, epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous. Because of this and having several accessory organs, the Cutaneous membrane is considered to be an organ system. The cutaneous membrane is comprised of three different layers, the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis, each with their own purpose and characteristics. The epidermis is the first layer of the cutaneous membrane. The purpose of the epidermis is to create a protective layer from the outside environment. The deepest part of the epidermis is the Stratum Basale, where epidermal cells divide and are pushed towards the surface where the cells die off from lack of nutrients. The dermis is the second layer of the cutaneous membrane, and is

The is composed of loose connective tissue including fat. A well developed hypodermis gives the body a rounded appearance and provides protective padding against external assaults. One environmental effect that may be damaging to the cutaneous membrane are burns. Burns are classified into three different categories. First, second, and third degree burn. Each degree damages the layer associated with its number. Meaning that the first degree burn only affects the epidermis, while a third degree burn destroys the cutaneous membrane all the way down to the hypodermis. A first degree burn is the least damaging of all burns, affecting only the epidermis. A first degree burn can be caused from staying out in the sun unprotected for too long, touching a hot stove, or even touching a hot leather seat. The first degree burn usually leave a bright pink or red mark but leaves no blisters. The pain can often times seem intense because the epidermis is very sensitive. Typically while healing there is mild swelling and an itching