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What is the difference between thick and thin skin?

Published in Anatomy 2 mins read

The primary difference between thick and thin skin lies in the thickness of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.

Thick Skin:

  • Location: Found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, areas subjected to high levels of friction and abrasion.
  • Stratum Corneum: This layer is significantly thicker in thick skin, containing multiple layers of dead, keratinized cells, providing a tough, protective barrier.
  • Other Features: Thick skin also contains a thicker stratum lucidum, a layer of translucent cells, and lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Thin Skin:

  • Location: Covers the rest of the body, including the face, trunk, and limbs.
  • Stratum Corneum: The stratum corneum is thinner in thin skin, containing fewer layers of dead, keratinized cells.
  • Other Features: Thin skin has hair follicles and sebaceous glands, contributing to its overall structure and function.

Summary Table:

Feature Thick Skin Thin Skin
Location Palms of hands and soles of feet Rest of the body
Stratum Corneum Thick Thin
Stratum Lucidum Present Absent
Hair Follicles Absent Present
Sebaceous Glands Absent Present

Understanding the differences between thick and thin skin allows for better understanding of the body's protective mechanisms and the unique functions of different skin regions.

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