Functions Of The Skin Flashcards
What are 6 functions of the skin?
Protection Immunity Thermoregulagion Sensation Metabolism Communication
What is the acid mantle?
The acid mantle is an acidic coating of the skin that delays growth of microorganisms on the skin. (Sebum and sweat)
What is the acidity of the skin?
Between 4 to 6.8 pH with a mean average of 5.5 (slightly acidic).
Describe the ways where there would be a disruption or loss of acidity of the acid mantle
- Over washing of the skin
- Frequent use of alkaline soaps
- Exposure to incontinence and perspiration
- Various skin conditions including eczema, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or dry skin
____________ gives the skin and hair its color, provides protection against ultraviolet radiation.
Melanin
How does the skin provide protection?
- Stratum Corneum (outer layer of skin) - helps to retain water
- Acid Mantle - acid coating of the skin delaying growth of microorganisms
- Normal flora to help fight infection
- Melanin - protection from UV radiation
What are the primary mechanisms for thermoregulation?
CIRCULATION and SWEATING
What are the 5 layers of the epidermis?
1) Stratum corners
2) Stratum lucidum
3) Stratum granulosum
4) Stratum spinosum
5) Stratum germinatum
Identify the different types of cells of the epidermis.
Keratinocytes (90%), melanocytes (8%), and remainder are Langerhans and Merkel cells.
What are Langerhans cells?
Specialized cells which act as the first line of defense against environmental antigens
What are Merkel cells?
Cells that make contact with a sensory neuron called a Merkel disc resulting in the detection of touch.
What is the basement membrane zone (BMZ)
It is the layer that separates the epidermis from the dermis. It provides structural support to the skin and facilitates the exchange of fluid and cells between the skin layers.
(The BMZ layer is affected where a blister forms as the epidermis and dermis separate from shearing and friction, allowing fluid to collect between the 2 layers)
What is the dermis?
Innermost layer of the skin that provides nutritions and support to the epidermis.
What are the 2 layers of the dermis?
Papillary layer and reticular layers.
What is the papillary layer?
It is part of the dermis, and mostly consists of the extracellular matrix and fibroblasts, which produce COLLAGEN and ELASTIN.
What is the reticular layer, and what can be found in this layer?
The reticular layer is part of the dermis.
NERVES, SWEAT GLANDS, SEBACEOUS GLANDS, and HAIR FOLLICLES can be found in this layer.
What are the different kinds of cells that are produced in the bone marrow.
1) Macrophages
2) Mast Cells
3) Fibroblasts
4) Nerves
5) Langerhans cells
What are macrophages?
Specialized cells that ingest dead tissues and cells, repair injured tissues, and act as defense mechanisms.
What are mast cells?
Mast cells are specialized cells that contain HEPARIN and HISTAMINE, and provide cellular defense mechanisms such as blood clotting during injury or infection.
What are fibroblasts?
Cells from which connective tissue is developed. They produce collagen and elastin which provides the skin’s ability to return to the original state following stretch. It has the ability to hold shape and recoil.
What is the function of the DERMIS?
1) Nourish the epidermis
2) Protect against mechanical injury
3) Protect against microbes
4) Sense the environment
5) Provide thermoregulation
What is the normal lab values for RBCs?
- 32 - 5.72 (men)
3. 9 - 5.03 (women)
What are the lab values for WBC?
3400-9600
What is the normal range for Hemoglobin (Hgb)?
- 2 - 16.6 (men)
3. 9 - 5.03 (women)
What are the normal values for Hematocrit?
- 3 - 48.6% - men
35. 5 - 44.9% - women
Describe the structure of the dermis
Thick, dense, fibroelastic, connective tissue that is highly vascularized
What is the function of the epidermis?
Provide a barrier against toxic substances and microorganisms, prevent water loss and repel water
