Cellulite - Part III

Anatomy of the Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is an ever-changing and complex organ that contains many specialized cells and structures each with a well determined function.

The main function of the skin is protection from the environment, and is also involved in maintaining the proper temperature for the body.

The skin is composed by 3 layers: epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, this last being the main focus on the discussion about cellulite.

Epidermis
Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin.

Dermis
Dermis is the next layer under the epidermis, which contains many specialized cells and structures, such as hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands, eccrine (sweat) glands, blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves receptors and specialized nerve cells, responsible to transmit sensations, such as pain, temperature, touch, pressure.

The connective tissue provides the framework and insulation of the dermis layer. It offers a necessary insulation and stability between the various structures, permitting their proficient function.

It is composed primarily of collagen providing the tensile strength, ground substance, and elastic tissue, which as the name suggests, gives the skin its elasticity.

Subcutaneous tissue
The next layer of tissue is the subcutaneous tissue. This is a layer of fat and connective tissue that contains larger blood vessels and nerves.

This layer is important for the regulation of temperature of the skin and the body. The size of this layer varies throughout the body part, based on gender and genetics of each person.

The subcutaneous tissue contains “fat-cell chambers” separated by connective tissue. From these fat-cell chambers, small projections of fat cells reach the dermis. This unevenness and irregularity of the subcutaneous fat gives the skin the "orange peel" appearance of cellulite.

In the next postings we will be discussing about the possible causes of cellulite and treatments.

Meanwhile, be healthy and be good!

Vanessa