GLOSSARY

The cutaneous membrane is another name for the skin as a body membrane; it is the body’s largest organ and the only dry epithelial membrane exposed to the air.

Structure

It consists of two main layers:

• Epidermis: the outer layer of keratinised stratified squamous epithelium.
• Dermis: the underlying layer of dense irregular connective tissue with vessels, nerves, and glands.

Beneath the dermis lies the hypodermis, which is not part of the skin but anchors it to the underlying tissues.

Function