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Human Skin: Composition, Structure and Visualisation Methods

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Skin Biophysics

Part of the book series: Studies in Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials ((SMTEB,volume 22))

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the molecular composition and structure of the epidermis, dermal-epidermal junction, dermis and hypodermis. We highlight the contribution of long-lived dermal collagens, elastic fibres, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid to skin function and also consider the role of apparently “minor” skin components. In order to characterise both healthy skin, and the progression of disease and ageing, it is necessary to use microscopical approaches but in addition to conventional ex vivo techniques, which image in two dimensions, valuable information can be gained by complimentary non-invasive and 3D imaging technologies.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the generous financial support of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Helen K. Graham & Kieran T. Mellody

  2. Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Alexander Eckersley, Matiss Ozols & Michael J. Sherratt

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  1. Helen K. Graham
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  2. Alexander Eckersley
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  3. Matiss Ozols
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  4. Kieran T. Mellody
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Correspondence to Michael J. Sherratt .

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  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    Georges Limbert

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Graham, H.K., Eckersley, A., Ozols, M., Mellody, K.T., Sherratt, M.J. (2019). Human Skin: Composition, Structure and Visualisation Methods. In: Limbert, G. (eds) Skin Biophysics. Studies in Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, vol 22. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-13279-8_1

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