5: Skin structure & function 3 Flashcards
Which structure joins the epidermis and the dermis?
Dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ)
What are the two layers of the dermo-epidermal junction?
Lamina lucida
Lamina densa
comprised of connective tissue
What are the main cell types found in the dermis?
Fibroblasts
Immune cells - macrophages, mast cells, lymphocytes, Langerhans cells
Which types of connective tissue fibres are found in the dermis?
Collagen
Elastin
How does blood reach the dermis?
Superficial and deep vascular plexuses
What are benign vascular endothelial tumours called?
Angiomas
Apart from arterioles and venules, what other vessels are found in the dermis?
Lymphatic vessels
Which cells take antigens to lymphatics in the dermis?
Langerhans cells
Lymphocytes
If lymphatic vessels are damaged, what symptom can present?
Lymphoedema
Which type of nerve provides feeling for the dermis?
Somatic sensory nerves
What are Pacinian corpuscles responsible for sensing?
Vibration
(23/12 - P is not for pressure, it turns out)
What are Meissner’s corpuscles responsible for sensing?
Pressure
Light touch
Apart from somatic sensory nerves, which other type of nerves supply blood vessels, nerves and glands in the dermis?
Autonomic nerves - sympathetic and parasympathetic
What do Pacinian corpuscles look like under the microscope?
Onions
What is a benign nerve tumour of the skin called?
Neurofibroma
Which genetic skin condition sees the development of loads of neurofibromas all over the back and other surfaces?
Neurofibromatosis Type 1
What are the three types of glands found in the skin?
Sebaceous glands
Apocrine glands
Eccrine glands
What is the function of sebaceous glands?
Secrete sebum into the pilary canal to lubricate hairs and protect from fungal infection
What skin disease involves blocking of pilary canals by excess sebum +/- bacterial colonisation?
Acne
What is the function of apocrine glands and where are they found?
Produce oily, odorous fluid
Found in the axillae and perineum
What is the function of eccrine glands and where in particular are they found?
Secrete sweat to cool body by evaporation and moisten palms/soles
Found everywhere, but palms, soles and axillae in particular
Which autonomic nerves supply eccrine glands?
Sympathetic nerves
