Hypodermis (magnified skin block)
Tela subcutanea (hypodermis)
Integumentary (skin)SkinLeg
- What it is
- The subcutaneous layer below the dermis: lobules of fat cells (adipocytes) separated by thin fibrous septa that tether the skin to the deep fascia.
- Function
- Insulates, stores energy, cushions and lets the skin move over deeper structures.
- Size
- Real thickness a few mm to several cm depending on site and body fat; lobules ~1 cm, adipocytes ~0.1 mm
- Clinical note
- Insulin and many vaccines are injected into this layer (subcutaneous injection) because its blood supply gives slow, steady absorption.