Bacteria on the skin. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of the human skin,showing colonies of bacteria growing on it. At centre is a skin pore,appearing as a depression on the surface. Around and inside the pore are numerous cocci (spherical) bacteria and bacilli (rod- shaped) bacteria. The surface of the skin protects against the invasion of infective agents,such as bacteria. Areas like the scalp,ear,armpits,genito-urinary and anal regions are moist enough to support resident microbial populations. Some bacteria are pathogenic,others play a construc- tive role. Most bacteria,however,are harmless to healthy skin. Magnification: x800 at 6x9cm size |