The Skin General
The skin is the largest organ of a living being. Its primary function is to separate the body from its environment and protect it from environmental influences and pathogens.
The structure of the skin
The skin is roughly divided into three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis consists of a dry, stratum corneum and an underlying mucous membrane. This stratum corneum is the first solid barrier between the environment and the body. The dermis consists of connective tissue fibers, primarily composed of collagen, and supplies the epidermis with nutrients. The subcutaneous tissue consists of fat cells and connective tissue; its function is to connect the skin to the underlying structures.
The dermis
The dermis is the layer of skin used in leather production. It can be divided into two parts: the upper and lower dermis. The upper dermis contains the papillary layer, which is crucial for the leather's grain. The underlying reticular layer is responsible for the leather's stability. Due to its structure, the dermis is particularly tear-resistant and elastic. It can be easily molded and is therefore often used in the production of clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories.
Additional sources (accessed 10.01.2019):
- lecturio(dot)de/magazin/haut/
- lederzentrum(dot)de/wiki/index.php/Oberhaut
