Epidermis Flashcards
What are the two main layers of the skin?
Epidermis and dermis
The epidermis is the superficial layer, while the dermis lies deep to it.
What type of tissue makes up the epidermis?
Stratified epithelium tissue
The epidermis is specifically composed of stratified squamous epithelium.
What is the deepest layer of the skin called?
Subcutaneous layer
This layer consists of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue.
List the layers of the epidermis.
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum lucidum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum basale
These layers are arranged in strata.
What anchors the epidermis to the dermis?
Basement membrane
This membrane provides structural support between the two layers.
Do the epidermis contain blood vessels?
No
The cells of the stratum basale are nourished by blood vessels in the dermis.
What is the most superficial layer of the epidermis?
Stratum corneum
It consists of hardened cells filled with keratin.
What is keratin and where is it secreted?
A protein secreted by keratinocytes
Keratinocytes are located in the deep layers of the epidermis.
Where is the stratum lucidum found?
Only in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
This layer provides added thickness.
What happens to the cells in the stratum granulosum?
They lose their nuclei
These cells remain active and secrete keratin.
What are prickle cells and where are they found?
Cells in the stratum spinosum with small radiating processes
These processes connect with other cells.
What is the role of the stratum basale?
Contains epidermal stem cells that divide
This layer is where basal cell cancer can develop.
What is psoriasis?
An abnormality of keratinocytes
It involves rapid division and migration of keratinocytes, leading to flaky, silvery scales.
Fill in the blank: The stratum basale is the _______ layer of the epidermis.
Deepest
It is also where new cells are generated.
What are keratinocytes?
Cells located in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin
Keratin is a protein that helps protect the skin.