Form And Function Of Skin Flashcards
What are the 4 main types of cells of the epidermis?
1) keratinocytes
2) melanocytes
3) merkel cells
4) langerhans cells
What is the function of keratinocytes?
Produces keratin making the outermost layer of the skin almost waterproof
What is the the function of the melanocytes?
Produce the pigment melanin
What is the function of merkel cells?
Act as sensory receptors
What is the function of he langerhans cells?
Involved in immune response
What is the main function of skin?
Acts as barrier to protect the warm moist internal environment from external environment
What is keratin?
Tough protein present in cells of the outer layer of the epidermis
What is antimicrobial?
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth
What is sebum?
Substance helping to keep skin moist and water repellant
What is the function of the dermis?
Provides nutrients and physical support to epidermis
Contains lymph vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles and glands
Stored water-important in hydration o
What is the function of collagen?
Provides tensile strength and support
What is the function of elastin?
Protein fibres provide toughness and flexibility
What 4 cells are located in the dermis?
1) fibroblasts
2) mast cells
3) phagocytes
4) lymphocytes
What is the function of fibroblasts?
Secrete collagen and elastin
What is the function of mast cells?
Key role in non-specific immune responses and secrete inflammatory mediators
