Physiology and Biochemistry of the Skin

Abstract

As in other clinical sciences, basic research in dermatology is still comparatively young. In former years there was a scantiness of pertinent scientific contributions in dermatology, but at present dermatological research is contributing a large amount of data. From this tremendous amount of available material, the authorhas selected a group of subjects that deal with the ordinary functions of the skin as well as with its lesser-known activities. He has also emphasized facts and problems of importance from the standpoint of future basic research. This excellent book presents a detailed discussion of the mechanical characteristics, electrical behavior, and membrane properties of the skin insofar as they influence life processes; the physiology of sweat secretion, including its glandular function, the composition of the aqueous skin surface film and its hydrogen-ion concentration; the mechanism of insensible water loss through the skin; the role of the skin in thermoregulation; and the phenomenon of