The skin is referred to as the cutaneous membrane because it is the largest organ of the body and serves as a protective barrier between the internal environment and the outside world. The term ‘cutaneous’ comes from the Latin word ‘cutis,’ meaning skin. A membrane, in general, is a thin layer of tissue that covers a surface or lines a space in the body.
As a cutaneous membrane, the skin consists of two primary layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer that provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone, while the dermis lies beneath it, containing connective tissues, hair follicles, and glands. Together, these layers contribute to functions such as protection, sensation, and temperature regulation.
In summary, the designation of skin as a cutaneous membrane highlights its role in covering and protecting various underlying structures and organs, as well as its composition and functions in the body.