Page 25 - The Miracle of the Immune System

Melanin

Dead cell layer
Sweat
pore Melanocyte

Epidermis
Living cell layer
Duct Sweat
duct

Dermis
Sebum
Subcutaneous
fat
Artery Hair follicle

Sweat
gland
Vein
Nerve

Muscle Sweat

Bacteria

AN IN-DEPTH VIEW OF THE SKIN
Above is a cross-section of the skin. The
sweat droplets secreted from the skin play a
variety of roles in the body. In addition bring-
ing down the body temperature, they provide
nutrition for certain bacteria and fungi living
on the surface of the skin, and produce
acidic waste materials such as lactic acid
which helps decrease the PH level of the
skin. This acidic medium on the skin surface
creates a hostile environment for any harm-
ful bacteria that are looking for a place to
live.
At the left is a close-up of the sweat gland
entrance. Here, too, you will find bacteria
just like everywhere else on the skin.