We also have our pain receptors and many other receptors. So what allows me to actually feel it when I pinch my skin is the fact that there is a receptor in that skin that is connected to our nervous system and that allows me to basically sense that pinch, that touch. On top of that, the epidermis contains these specialized cells known as merkel cells that are involved or believed to be involved in sensation. Now, let's move on to function number three insulation and thermal regulation. So recall that the hypodermis, the subcutaneous layer, contains our adipose cells. And what these adipose cells do is they create a layer of insulation and that basically keeps us cool in the summer days and keeps us warm in the winter nights.