Chapter 3: Layers of the Skin Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the Skin?
Epidermis, Dermis and Subcutaneous layer.
What is the outer layer of the Skin?
The Epidermis.
What is the function of The Epidermis?
Provides a waterproof barrier and protects the underlying structures from UV rays, harmful chemicals and pathogens.
What are the distinct layers of The Epidermis?
Stratum Corneum, Stratum Lucidem, Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Spinosum, (squamous cell layers) and Stratum Basale (basal cell layer).
What happens to the cells in Stratum Basale (basal cell layer)?
They are constantly dividing and being pushed toward the surface.
What does the Stratum Basale (basal cell layer) home?
Melanocytes that produce melanin.
What is Melanin?
The pigment responsible for skin color.
What is the thickest layer of The Epidermis?
Stratum Spinosum (squamous cell layer).
What does Keratinocytes in the Stratum Spinosum produce?
Keratin.
What is Keratin?
A productive protein that makes up skin, nails and hair.
What is the Stratum Granulosum layer made of?
Of keratinocytes that have moved up from the squamous layer.
What happens to the Keratinocytes (stratum Granulosum) as they move closer to the skin’s surface?
They begin to flatten and eventually dying out.
Where does the Stratum Lucidem exist?
Only on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Which is the outermost layer of The Epidermis?
The Stratum Corneum.
What does the Stratum Corneum layer consist of?
Of dead keratinocytes that are constantly being shed.
