Epidermis Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two main layers of the skin?

A

Epidermis and dermis

The epidermis is the superficial layer, while the dermis lies deep to it.

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2
Q

What type of tissue makes up the epidermis?

A

Stratified epithelium tissue

The epidermis is specifically composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

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3
Q

What is the deepest layer of the skin called?

A

Subcutaneous layer

This layer consists of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue.

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4
Q

List the layers of the epidermis.

A
  • Stratum corneum
  • Stratum lucidum
  • Stratum granulosum
  • Stratum spinosum
  • Stratum basale

These layers are arranged in strata.

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5
Q

What anchors the epidermis to the dermis?

A

Basement membrane

This membrane provides structural support between the two layers.

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6
Q

Do the epidermis contain blood vessels?

A

No

The cells of the stratum basale are nourished by blood vessels in the dermis.

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7
Q

What is the most superficial layer of the epidermis?

A

Stratum corneum

It consists of hardened cells filled with keratin.

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8
Q

What is keratin and where is it secreted?

A

A protein secreted by keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are located in the deep layers of the epidermis.

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9
Q

Where is the stratum lucidum found?

A

Only in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

This layer provides added thickness.

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10
Q

What happens to the cells in the stratum granulosum?

A

They lose their nuclei

These cells remain active and secrete keratin.

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11
Q

What are prickle cells and where are they found?

A

Cells in the stratum spinosum with small radiating processes

These processes connect with other cells.

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12
Q

What is the role of the stratum basale?

A

Contains epidermal stem cells that divide

This layer is where basal cell cancer can develop.

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13
Q

What is psoriasis?

A

An abnormality of keratinocytes

It involves rapid division and migration of keratinocytes, leading to flaky, silvery scales.

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14
Q

Fill in the blank: The stratum basale is the _______ layer of the epidermis.

A

Deepest

It is also where new cells are generated.

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15
Q

What are keratinocytes?

A

Cells located in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin

Keratin is a protein that helps protect the skin.

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16
Q

What is psoriasis?

A

An abnormality of keratinocytes characterized by rapid division and migration

This condition leads to flaky, silvery scales on the skin.

17
Q

Which areas of the body are commonly affected by psoriasis?

A

Knees, elbows, and scalp

These areas often show the characteristic flaky scales.

18
Q

What are corns and calluses?

A

Thickened areas of skin formed in response to friction

They are protective responses of the epidermis.

19
Q

What is the function of melanocytes?

A

To produce the pigment melanin that gives skin its color

Melanocytes are located in the deepest portion of the epidermis.

20
Q

Where are melanocytes located?

A

In the deepest layer of the epidermis and superficial dermis

They are crucial for skin pigmentation.

21
Q

What triggers melanocytes to produce more melanin?

A

Ultraviolet radiation

This leads to a darker skin color.

22
Q

What type of UV radiation do melanocytes respond to?

A

UVB radiation (approximately 320 nm wavelength)

This type of radiation stimulates melanin production.

23
Q

What is malignant melanoma?

A

A condition that can develop in melanocytes

It is a serious form of skin cancer.

24
Q

What is vitamin D also known as?

A

Cholecalciferol

It is synthesized in the skin when exposed to UV radiation.

25
Q

How is vitamin D synthesized in the body?

A

A precursor molecule absorbs ultraviolet radiation, then travels to the liver and kidney for conversion

This process leads to the active form of vitamin D.

26
Q

What is the primary function of vitamin D?

A

To help the body absorb calcium

It also aids in calcium transport in the intestines.

27
Q

List the layers of the epidermis.

A
  • Stratum corneum
  • Stratum lucidum
  • Stratum granulosum
  • Stratum spinosum
  • Stratum basale

These layers have distinct functions and characteristics.

28
Q

What are lamellar granules?

A

Structures found in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis

They play a role in water retention and skin barrier function.

29
Q

What type of cells are found in the stratum basale?

A
  • Keratinocytes
  • Merkel cells

Merkel cells are involved in the sensation of touch.