False-colour scanning electron micrograph of a section of human skin, showing the flattened cells of the horny, cornified epidermis at top (horizontal surface & upper half of cross section) and the underlying dermis at bottom (pinkish orange region). The dead, flaky epidermal cells at the skin's surface are shed continuously and are gradually replaced from below. New cells are formed at the base of the epidermis and slowly migrate up towards the surface, becoming flatter and more cornified as they mature. The underlying dermis is a thick layer of connective tissue, rich in blood vessels and sensory receptors. Magnification: x160 at 6x6 cm size.