Ch 5

Question 1

What are are the structural differences between thin and thick skin?

Answer 1

Both have sweat glands. Only thin skin has hair follicle and subaceous glands. Thick skin has stratum lucidum.

Question 2

List some functions of the skin (7 main categories)

Answer 2

Resistance to trauma/infection (keratin/acid mantle)
Barrier (waterproof, UV protection, chemical protection)
Vitamin D synthesis
Transdermal absorption (for drug administration)
Nonverbal communication
Sensation
Thermoregulation

Question 3

Give three five cell types of the epidermis and there functions

Answer 3

Stem cells: generate keratinocytes
Keratinocytes: form skin layers (except stratum basale)
Melanocytes: synthesizes melanin
Tactile/Merkel: touch receptors
Dendritic/Langerhans: immune cells in strata spinosum and granulosum

Question 4

List the layers of the epidermis (deep to superficial)

Answer 4

Stratum basale
Stratum spinosum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum lucidum (thick skin)
Stratum corneum