Description

Mammalian Skin, a complex and multifunctional system, serves as a vital interface between the organism and its environment. Its structure reflects an intricate balance between protection, sensory perception, and adaptability. The skin, composed of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat, is equipped with specialized structures such as hair, glands, and modifications like claws and hooves, which are tailored to the diverse ecological niches mammals occupy. This dynamic system ensures thermal regulation through features like blood vessel networks and sudoriferous glands, while providing mechanical protection, water retention, and a barrier against microorganisms. Its sensory capabilities, coupled with glandular functions like milk production and pheromone secretion, underscore its evolutionary significance in survival and communication.

This comprehensive exploration of mammalian skin reveals how its adaptive traits are shaped by environmental challenges. From aquatic mammals' water-resistant layers to the insulating properties of desert species, the skin showcases nature's ingenuity. By examining its morphology, physiology, and biochemical processes, this study not only highlights its pivotal role in ecological adaptation but also opens avenues for applied sciences. Understanding these structures has practical implications, from advancing fur animal breeding to exploring mammalian glandular secretions for behavioral control. This work integrates decades of research, offering a systematic analysis that bridges pure science and practical application, while emphasizing the need for continued study in this fascinating field.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1982.