Unique Geometry Allows Skin to be Perfectly Leakproof

Skin is the body's largest organ an average of 1.65 square meters. It's also the body's heaviest organ, summing to a collective 9.5 kilograms. Yet, most of the time we take the functions of this most visible organ for granted.

Skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The layer that we see and touch, and also the layer that endures the most abuse, is the epidermis - the outermost layer of skin. However, all three layers work in conjunction to regulate body temperature, shield the internal system from pathogens, prevents loss of our vital fluids, and acts as a cushion for the bumps and scrapes that inevitably happen.

In particular, scientists using specialized microscopes recently discovered a unique arrangement found in skin cells. These allow skin to never have any gaps, providing a leakproof seal for our bodily fluids. Watch the video to learn more!