A FRACTAL-LIKE STRUCTURE IN THE SKIN

Abstract

Objects in a biological body consist of structures which themselves have finer structures, and such a relation repeats several orders. We show that the interface between the dermis and the epidermis in human skin is one of them and is considered as a fractal-like structure. To determine the degree of complexity of the structure, we estimated the fractal dimension. Its fractal dimension was 2.4. Folding of the interface increases the area that occupies a three-dimensional volume, enhancing functionality and promoting strong adhesion between the dermis and the epidermis. The fractal dimension quantifies this space-filling; it was found to increase from 2 to 3 as the surface folds more extensively. We discuss the functional significance of the fractal-like structure of the human skin and the other structures in a biological body.