What do the epidermis consist of?
The epidermis consists of several layers of cells, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells. Keratinocytes are the most abundant cells in the epidermis and are responsible for producing the protein keratin, which provides structural support and waterproofing to the skin. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which helps protect the skin from UV radiation. Langerhans cells are part of the immune system and help protect against foreign substances, while Merkel cells are involved in the sensation of touch.