Dermis 2 Flashcards
What does the sebaceous gland produce
Sebum - water repellent
Why does acne occur
When the hair follicle blocks up with sebum and gets infected it causes acne
What makes up a hair follicle
Hair shaft
Sebaceous gland
Arrector pili muscle
Hair follicle
What are the two types of sweat glands
Eccrine - Everywhere - thermoregulation
Apocrine - Specialised - deeper in skin and release into base of hair follicle - oily
How are nails important in sensation
The deformation helps to enhance sensation. Also protects fingertips
What does melanin pigment do
Absorbs UV light (protecting cells)
How is melanin produced
By melanocytes - vesicles transport melanin to epidermis cells - melanosomes
What is the difference between moles and freckles
Mole - Cluster of melanocytes (overproliferation)
Freckle - Melanocytes overproducing melanosomes (overproduction)
(Both can be triggered by sun exposure)
Where are melanocytes and melanosomes present and what does that mean
Melanocytes are in stratum Basale and are not shed
Melanosomes are throughout epidermis and are shed with keratinocytes
Does the density of melanocytes vary between race or body?
Varies throughout the body but NOT between race
Why is Vitamin D important
It’s essential for normal calcium metabolism and strong bones
How do we synthesise Vit D
Through UV exposure
How does pigmentation link to Vit D deficiencies
People with higher pigment are more susceptible to Vit D deficiency as their high pigment blocks more UV light (needed to synthesise Vit D)
Name the two types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
Describe Basal cell carcinoma
Common
Relatively benign
Originates in Stratum Basale
Rarely metastasises
