The epidermis is defined as the most superficial layer of the skin and, as its name indicates, it is located on the dermis. This layer is the superficial lining of the body, it is responsible for covering the body almost in its entirety, only except for the holes and mucous membranes where it continues with a lining tissue which is called epithelium. This is considered the most important barrier that the body has against the hostile external environment.
In humans, the thickness can vary depending on each subject, you can range from a minimum of 0.1 mm on the eyelids, to a maximum of 1.5mm on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet. The word itself comes from Latin, which in turn is derived from a Greek word.
The epidermis is made up of flattened cells that are arranged in the form of layers, of which two main types are distinguished, the first is the inner or deep layer, this is made up of active cells in constant replication and second is the outer layer made up of dead cells. The cells that compose it multiply in the deepest layer of the epidermis and later pass to more superficial layers, as the cells reach the exterior they are loaded with a substance called "keratin" until the most superficial layer or stratum corneal, consists only of cells without organelles in which all the space is occupied only by keratin.
While this transformation process takes place, the bonds between the cells are weakened, which allows them to detach and peel, which allows the formation of new cells in the innermost layers.
This layer may present variations in thickness, which will depend on its location, at the level of the palm of the hands and the soles of the feet, places where it reaches its maximum dimensions, thus allowing greater protection of these areas. on the other hand, in areas like around the eyes its thickness is much thinner.
