Chapter 6 - Section 6.1 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 199: 12

The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue or subcutis, is the deepest layer of the skin located beneath the dermis. It is primarily composed of adipose tissue (fat) and loose connective tissue. Here are the composition and functions of the hypodermis, as well as an alternative name for it when it is composed predominantly of adipose tissue: **Composition of the Hypodermis:** 1. **Adipose Tissue:** Adipose tissue makes up the majority of the hypodermis and can vary in thickness from person to person and from one body region to another. It serves as an energy reservoir and helps insulate the body. 2. **Loose Connective Tissue:** In addition to adipose tissue, the hypodermis contains loose connective tissue that provides a supportive framework for blood vessels and nerves that pass through the layer. **Functions of the Hypodermis:** 1. **Insulation:** Adipose tissue in the hypodermis acts as an insulator, helping to regulate body temperature by reducing heat loss and preventing extreme temperature fluctuations in the body's core. 2. **Energy Storage:** The hypodermis serves as a storage site for excess energy in the form of fat. Adipose tissue can release stored energy when needed for metabolic processes, such as during periods of reduced food intake or increased energy demands. 3. **Protection:** The hypodermis provides cushioning and padding, helping to protect underlying structures such as bones, muscles, and internal organs from mechanical shock and trauma. 4. **Attachment:** The hypodermis anchors the skin to deeper structures, such as muscles and bones, helping to maintain the overall structure and stability of the body. 5. **Blood Vessel and Nerve Support:** Blood vessels and nerves that supply the skin and underlying tissues pass through the hypodermis. The loose connective tissue in this layer provides support and a pathway for these structures. 6. **Sensory Function:** The hypodermis contains sensory receptors, such as pressure receptors (Pacinian corpuscles), which play a role in detecting mechanical stimuli. **Alternative Name When Predominantly Adipose Tissue:** When the hypodermis is composed predominantly of adipose tissue, it is often referred to as the "subcutaneous fat layer" or simply the "fat layer." In this context, it serves primarily as an energy store, insulation, and cushioning layer, with a reduced role in other functions like sensory perception and blood vessel support compared to when it contains more connective tissue. The thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer can vary significantly among individuals and can influence body shape and appearance.

The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue or subcutis, is the deepest layer of the skin located beneath the dermis. It is primarily composed of adipose tissue (fat) and loose connective tissue. Here are the composition and functions of the hypodermis, as well as an alternative name for it when it is composed predominantly of adipose tissue: **Composition of the Hypodermis:** 1. **Adipose Tissue:** Adipose tissue makes up the majority of the hypodermis and can vary in thickness from person to person and from one body region to another. It serves as an energy reservoir and helps insulate the body. 2. **Loose Connective Tissue:** In addition to adipose tissue, the hypodermis contains loose connective tissue that provides a supportive framework for blood vessels and nerves that pass through the layer. **Functions of the Hypodermis:** 1. **Insulation:** Adipose tissue in the hypodermis acts as an insulator, helping to regulate body temperature by reducing heat loss and preventing extreme temperature fluctuations in the body's core. 2. **Energy Storage:** The hypodermis serves as a storage site for excess energy in the form of fat. Adipose tissue can release stored energy when needed for metabolic processes, such as during periods of reduced food intake or increased energy demands. 3. **Protection:** The hypodermis provides cushioning and padding, helping to protect underlying structures such as bones, muscles, and internal organs from mechanical shock and trauma. 4. **Attachment:** The hypodermis anchors the skin to deeper structures, such as muscles and bones, helping to maintain the overall structure and stability of the body. 5. **Blood Vessel and Nerve Support:** Blood vessels and nerves that supply the skin and underlying tissues pass through the hypodermis. The loose connective tissue in this layer provides support and a pathway for these structures. 6. **Sensory Function:** The hypodermis contains sensory receptors, such as pressure receptors (Pacinian corpuscles), which play a role in detecting mechanical stimuli. **Alternative Name When Predominantly Adipose Tissue:** When the hypodermis is composed predominantly of adipose tissue, it is often referred to as the "subcutaneous fat layer" or simply the "fat layer." In this context, it serves primarily as an energy store, insulation, and cushioning layer, with a reduced role in other functions like sensory perception and blood vessel support compared to when it contains more connective tissue. The thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer can vary significantly among individuals and can influence body shape and appearance.