CHAPTER 5 Flashcards
Skin
body’s largest organ. 2 layers, epidermis/dermis within skin plus one nearby.
Epidermis
epithelium of skin- superficial region outtermost protective shield of body
Tissue type
keratinized stratified squamos epithelium 4 cell types 4-5 layers
Vascularity
Epidermis is avascular- nutrients diffuse from deeper connective tissue
cells of epidermis
superficial cells are dead no nuclei- sparse nerve endings
keratinocytes
(no nuclei) synthesize keratin vast majority of epidermal cells/ found in many layers
keratinocyte- function
gives epidermis its productive properties
keratinocyte- location
keratinized stratified squamos epithelium- arise stratum basale pushed up as grow due in stratus corneum
melanocytes
spider shaped epithelial cells make melanin a brown to black pigment
melanocytes- function
taken up by keratinocytes and used to protect their DNA from ultraviolet radiation
melanocytes- location
stratum basale
dendritic cells (Langerhans)
star shaped cells, immune surveilance.
dendritic cells- function
protect from microbes, toxins, and pathogens. ingest foreign substances, activate immune system
dendritic cells- location
stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, (2 middle layers of epidermis) arise bone marrow migrate to epidermis
Tactile cells (Merkel)
touch receptors that join with nerves. shaped like spiky hemispheres
Tactile cells- function
sensory receptors for touch, associated with sensory nerve ending
Tactile cells- location
stratum basale
Layers of the Epidermis
variation in epidermal thickness determines thick or thin
Stratum basale
germinating layer- attached to dermis, single row of stem cells
Stratum basale- cells
melanocytes, keratinocytes, and tactile (merkel)
Stratum basale- function
regenerates new basal cells
Stratum spinosum
prickly layer- several layers thick