7 Biology of the Skin

Question 1

What are the functions of the skin? (6)

Answer 1

1. Protective barrier from environment
2. Temperature regulation
3. Sensation
4. Vitamin D synthesis
5. Temperature control
6. Cosmesis (beauty of body)

Question 2

What is erythroderma? What are the potential causes of it?

Answer 2

Erythroderma= ‘total skin failure’

>90% of body surface affected

-erythematous and exfoliative

Causes:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Drugs
• Cutaneous T cell lymphoma

Question 3

What are the signs, symptoms and potential consequences of erythroderma?

Answer 3

Symptoms: pruitus, fatigue, anorexia, feeling cold

Signs: erythmatous, thickened, inflamed, scaly, no sparing

Consequences:

Question 4

Name the 4 main specialised cells you will find in the epidermis:

Answer 4

Question 5

Identify the 5 layers of the epidermis. (Crazy Leah Gave Sri Babies)

Answer 5

Question 6

Describe the structure of the dermis. (what’s it made up of)

Answer 6

Composition: collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans

+immune cells, nerve cells, lymphatics, blood vessels

–> provides strength and elasticity

Question 7

What is the function of sebaceous glands? What are they stimulated by? How are they related to conditions eg acne vulgaris?

Answer 7

Question 8

What are the functions of eccrine and apocrine glands? Where can they each be found?

Answer 8

Question 9

What are the 3 main hair types?

Answer 9

Lanugo hair- baby

Vellum hair- short, all over body

Terminal hair- coarse long hair

Question 10

What are the 3 phases of hair growth?

Answer 10

Anagen

Catagen

Telogen

Question 11

What components make up nails?

Answer 11