Anatomy of the Skin Flashcards
% body weight occupied by the skin
16%
Define the epithelium of the skin
Stratified squamous epithelium, keratinized
Layer beneath the dermis
Hypodermis
Main type of connective tissue in the dermis
Dense irregular connective tissue
Main type of connective tissue in the hypodermis
Loose connective tissue
Contents of hypodermis
Adipose tissue (unilocular adipocytes; fat cells)
What is the hypodermis continuous with?
The deep fascia surrounding nerves and bones
Describe the epithelium of the wet surface of the oral cavity
Stratified squamous epithelium, non-keratinized
5 functions of the skin
- Protection from injury and dessication
- Receive stimuli from the environment
- Excretion of various substances
- Participation in thermoregulation and maintenance of water balance
- Cutaneous immunigenicity
What mediates the skin function of protection from injury and dessication?
Keratinocytes of the epithelium
What mediates the skin’s ability to receive stimuli from the environment?
- Merkel cells within the epithelium
- Nerve endings in and beneath the epithelium
What mediates the excretion of substances from the skin?
- Sebaceous glands associated with the hair
- Sweat glands
What mediates thermoregulation and maintenance of water balance by the skin?
- Insulating properties of secretion by keratinocytes that act as hydrophobic barriers to water
- Shivering mechanism related to “goose-bumps”
What mediates cutaneous immunogenicity by the skin?
Langerhans cells within the epithelium acting as antigen-presenting cells
From what are the appendages of the skin derived?
The epithelium of the skin
4 appendages of the skin
- Nails
- Hair
- Sebaceous glands
- Sweat glands
2 layers of the dermis
- Papillary layer
- Reticular layer
Describe the composition of the papillary layer of the dermis
- Composed of finger-like projections of epidermis (rete pegs) into the dermis
- Can be thought of conversely as finger-like projections of loose connective tissue from the dermis into the epidermis
From what embryologic germ layer is the keratinizing system derived?
Ectoderm
2 distinct cell lineages which compose the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin
- Keratinocytes
- Melanocytes
Fibrous protein produced by keratinocytes
Keratin
Function of keratin
Transforms the keratinocytes into a dead cell layer (keratinized/cornified layer)
Typical time length of cytomorphosis of a keratinocyte
15 - 30 days
Function of melanocytes
Produce pigment (melanin) to protect against UV radiation
Embryological origin of melanocytes
Neural crest
When do the melanocytes invade the skin during development?
3rd to 6th month in utero
2 cells of the epidermal epithelium that do not belong to either the keratinizing system nor the pigmentary system
- Langerhans cell
- Merkel cell
5 layers of the epidermis from the innermost to the outermost layer
- Stratum Basale/Germinativum (Basal Layer)
- Stratum Spinosum (Spiny Layer)
- Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer)
- Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)**
- Stratum Corneum (Cornified Layer)
NOTE: Stratum lucidum is not in ALL epidermises
4 examples of structures derived from the ectoderm
- Lining of oral and nasal cavities
- Cornea
- Skin epidermis
- Glands of skin
4 examples of structures derived from the endoderm
- Lining of the GI tract
- Lining of the respiratory tract
- Liver
- Pancreas
3 examples of structures derived from the mesoderm
- Renal tubules
- Lining of the reproductive tract
- Lining of blood vessels
Shape of keratinocytes
Cuboidal
When do mitoses occur in the stratum basale of the epidermis?
Mostly at night
Purpose of hemidesmosomes
Cell-matrix adhesions
Protein associated with hemodesmosomes
Integrins
Purpose of desmosomes
Cell-cell adhesion
Protein associated with desmosomes
Cadherins
Connective tissue type of the epidermal basement membrane
Collagen IV and Laminin