The hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue is located below the dermis, so it is a deep layer of integument.
It is made up of connective tissue and represents between 15% to 30% of body weight.
The connection between the dermis and the hypodermis is guaranteed by elastin and collagen fibers. The thickness of the hypodermis varies according to the region of the body and gender of the individual.
However, it is important to highlight that the hypodermis is not considered one of the skin layers, even though it maintains a close functional relationship with the dermis and the difficult distinction between the limits of the two structures.
Occupation
The hypodermis has important functions for the body, including:
- Power reserve: adipose tissue stores energy that can be used by the body in times of need. In cases of prolonged fasts, for example, the body will use the energy accumulated in the adipose tissue.
- Defense against physical shocks: protects organs and bones, serving to "pad" these structures and cushion against physical trauma. At the same time, it also shapes the body.
- Thermal insulation: the subcutaneous tissue layer helps to regulate body temperature. For example, a layer of fatty tissue protects the body from the cold. This process is known as thermoregulation.
- Connection: the hypodermis connects the dermis to muscles and bones. Therefore, it is responsible for attaching the skin to adjacent structures.
Histology
The main tissues that form the hypodermis are the adipose it's the connective vascularized loose.
The main cells of the hypodermis are adipocytes, responsible for producing and accumulating fat. They are large cells and the more fat they store, they increase even more in size, this condition being related to weight gain.
In the hypodermis, elastin and collagen fibers, veins and blood capillaries are also found.
Learn more, read also:
- Skin layers
- Integumentary system
- Dermis
- Epidermis
