10. Skin Flashcards
What are the 8 functions of skin?
Protection against injury Protection against pathogenic organisms Waterproofing and fluid conservation Thermoregulation Protection against radiation, absorption of ultra violet radiation and vitamin D production Surface for grip Sensory organ Cosmetic
Describe the structure of skin
Stratum cornea Epidermis Papillary dermis Reticular dermis Hypodermis
Appendageal structures
Pilo-sebaceous unit (follicle, hair shaft, sebaceous gland and pilo erecti muscle) Sweat glands (apocrine and eccrine).
Describe the structure of the epidermis
Consists of keratinocytes arranged in 4 layers
What are the 4 layers of the epidermis?
Stratum basale
Stratum spinosum
Stratum granulosum (cells have keratin granules)
Stratus corneum (cells have no nucleus)
Name 3 cell types found in the epidermis and their functions
Melanocytes: produce melanin
Langerhans cells: antigen presenting cells
Merkel cells: sensation
What is the main purpose of the epidermis and what forms this?
Barrier
Much of the barrier is formed by Keratin
What happens as a keratinocyte progresses up through the epidermis?
It transforms at stratum granulosum into a nonviable corneocyte before being shed in the normal epidermal turnover process
Structure of stratum corneum
Corneocytes/keratinocytes produce layers of skin, stuck together by lipids to create a seal
Protective
No nucleus as dead
What is the result of a mutation in filagrin gene?
“Glue” between corneocytes in epidermis is not normal
Leads to eczema
Palmar hyper-linearity is a sign
What are the dendritic cells within the epidermis?
Langerhans
Melanocytes
Where are melanocytes found?
Basement membrane of epidermis
In which organelle is the pigment melanin produced?
Melanosomes
How are melanosomes packaged?
Into granules which move down dendritic processes and are transferred by phagocytosis to adjacent keratinocytes
What do melanin granules do?
Form a protective cap around the keratinocyte nuclei
Protect DNA within nucleus from UV induced damage and lead to skin pigmentation