Its thickness ranges between a few tenths of millimeters and 5-6 mm for areas submitted to high stresses and loads such as the soles of the feet. This organ (encompassing cells, fibres, sebaceous and sweat glands, hairs, nerves, blood vessels) ensures numerous essential functions such as maintaining homeostasis and protecting the organism from external aggressions (mechanical, thermal, chemical, bacterial, etc.) It is sometimes said that it is the silence of organs that defines their health. This is probably why we almost forget the mechanical function of the skin. This is unfair when we consider its incredible ability to absorb shocks, to support all internal body tissues, to stretch so as to allow movements, changes of posture and variations of body volume in the case of pregnancy for instance. This article aims to bring light to this critical mechanical function and to present the different methods which can be used for its exploration and measurement.
Structur
