Introduction

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ of the body. A basic understanding of the anatomy of the skin is needed for the proper diagnosis and management of skin cancers. The basic subunits of the skin include the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis (Fig. 1.1). The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The innermost layer of the epidermis is the basal layer. The basal layer cells multiply to form the squamous layer of the epidermis. The outer layer of epidermis is the stratum corneum, which is composed of keratin. Melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) lie within the basal layer of the epidermis. The dermis incorporates the adnexal structures (hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands) and is made up of collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. The subcutis is made up of adipose tissue.