Skin 2: accessory structures of the skin and their functions

Understanding the skin requires knowledge of its accessory structures. These originate embryologically from the epidermis and include hair, nails, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. All are important in the skin's key functions, including protection, thermoregulation and its sensory roles. This article, the second in a two-part series, looks at the structure and function of the main accessory structures of the skin.

Citation Lawton S (2020) Skin 2: accessory structures of the skin and their functions. Nursing Times; 116; 1, 44–46.

In this article…

• The four main accessory structures of the skin

• Structure and function of hair and nails

• The role of sweat and sebaceous glands