Epidermis
Epidermis — the outermost of the skin's main layers, a cell-rich tissue that forms the body's protective barrier and continually renews itself from the bottom up. It has no direct blood supply and is organized into several sublayers that culminate in the surface stratum corneum.
Key points
- The epidermis is the top layer of skin, sitting above the dermis.
- It is composed mainly of keratinocytes that mature as they move toward the surface.
- It also contains melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, and immune cells.
- New cells form at its base and gradually rise, replacing those shed from the surface.
Frequently asked
How is the epidermis different from the dermis?
The epidermis is the outer barrier layer made mostly of keratinocytes, while the dermis lies beneath it and contains blood vessels, collagen, and nerves.
Does the epidermis renew itself?
Yes, new cells are produced at its base and migrate upward over weeks, eventually being shed from the surface in an ongoing turnover cycle.
Related topics
This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.
