flesh

Flesh is a common term for the soft tissues of a vertebrate body, including the skin, the underlying subcutaneous tissue, and muscle, as well as other connective tissues. In everyday usage it can also denote meat from an animal.

Anatomically, the skin consists of the epidermis and dermis. The epidermis provides a protective outer layer, while the dermis contains collagen and elastin, blood vessels, nerves, and skin appendages such as hair follicles and glands. Beneath the dermis lies the hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, which is mainly adipose tissue that cushions and insulates the body. Deeper lie muscles and other soft tissues essential for movement and function.

Functions include protection from injury and infection, sensation through a network of nerve endings, thermoregulation via blood flow and sweating, and energy storage in fat. The soft tissues can repair themselves after minor damage, though severe wounds may result in scarring.

In science and medicine the term flesh is generally replaced by more specific terms such as skin, subcutaneous tissue, or muscle. In culinary contexts, flesh refers to edible meat from animals, subject to safety and welfare considerations. Cultural and literary uses of the term often contrast corporeal flesh with other aspects of being.