Anatomy and physics Flashcards
Integumentary system
skin and its appendages
Dermis
second layer of skin that is responsible for attaching the skin to the body. To help its function, it has a REC center (reticula, elastin, collagen).
epidermis
outermost, avascular, protective layer of skin.
Subcutaneous layer
Beneath the dermis, composed of fat and collagen that helps thermal regulate the body
Hypodermis
Layer of subcutaenous fat and connective tissue lying beneath the dermis. Composed of adipose cells (fat cells). Acts as an insulator, conserving body heat.
Avascular
lacking in blood vessels thus having poor blood supply. Such as the epidermis
Major cell type of the epidermis
Keratinocyte
Stratum basale
Deepest layer of the epidermis. Anchors the epidermis to the dermis. Also contains germinal cells (regeneration) for all the sublayers of the epidermis
Stratum corneum
Outermost layer of the epidermis characterized by the death and ultimate sloughing of the aged keratinocyte
Stratum granulosum
Signals transitions of the cells within it. Has the name granulosum because of the granules that appear in the cells. These cells are in the process of dying.
Stratum spinosum
“Spiny” layer, cells that are intertwined with demosomes. Lamellar granules also found here that contribute to skin’s moisture.
Stratum lucidum
Thin, clear closely packed cells preparing to fall off in the stratum corneum.
Stratum basale
Anchors epidermis to the dermis. First area to show signs of keratinization, as it is the regeneration zone that creates the keratinocytes that move up the other epidermis layers.
How is the dermis layer split up?
Papillary layer: first layer of the dermis and is the thermalregulator as it contains blood vessels that constrict or dilate depending on the temperature. Also contains glycosaminoglycans that help retain water (moisture); as we age the amount of theses GAGs decreases. Layer for optimal PMU.
Reticular layer: Connects dermis to the epidermis with the help of rete pegs and is home to the skin’s appendages (nails, hair, glands).
Who tends to be more prone to stretch marks and why?
Women are more prone because they have thinner skin, typically, and have less rigid connective tissue than men do.
