2: Skin structure & function 1 Flashcards
What is the outer layer of skin called?
Epidermis
What kind of cells make up the epidermis?
Stratified squamous epithelium
also known as keratinocytes
Which layer of skin is made up of stratified squamous epithelium?
Epidermis
Which layer of skin is found beneath the epidermis?
Dermis
What kind of tissue makes up the dermis?
Connective tissue
Which single layer of cells is formed by the ectoderm before they are cast off?
Periderm
Which germ layer turns into the epidermis?
Ectoderm
Which germ layer turns into the dermis?
Mesoderm
Which cells, found in skin, produce pigmentation?
Melanocytes
What are Blaschko’s lines?
Developmental growth patterns of skin (not the same as dermatomes)
What name is given to accessory parts of the skin found in the dermis?
Appendages
Examples: nails, hair, glands
What anchors the skin to bones and allows it to move around?
Subcutaneous fat
Which cells make up 95% of the epidermis?
Keratinocytes
What are the four epidermal layers?
Keratin layer (lots of keratinocytes with little to no nuclei)
Granular layer
Prickle cell layer
Basal cell layer
Which substance is found at the surface of the skin and protects it from damage?
Keratin
What does psoriasis look like?
Patches of red crusty skin covered in silver scales
Where is psoriasis most commonly found on the body?
Scalp
Elbows
Lower back
Knees
Why does psoriasis produce crusty scales on the surface of the skin?
Increased cell turnover (around 7 days as opposed to 28)
Lack of proper differentiation
What connects cells together in the prickle cell layer?
Desmosomes
In which layer of the epidermis do cells lose their nuclei?
Granular layer
What are corneocytes?
Terminally differentiated keratinocytes
Name three specialised cells found in the epidermis.
What are their functions?
Melanocytes (produce pigment)
Langerhans cells (immune surveillance)
Merkel cells (mechanoreceptors)
Give an example of a disease which affects melanocytes.
Vitiligo
Albinism
Malignant melanoma
