Histology of the Skin

Question 1

The lining epithelium of the skin

Answer 1

Stratified squamous epithelium

Question 2

The 3 layers of the skin

Answer 2

1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
3. Hypodermis (or the deeper subcutaneous layer made of subcutaneous fat)

Question 3

The 5 layers of the epidermis

Answer 3

Mnemonic: Chicks Look Good Sucking Balls

1. Stratum corneum
2. Stratum lucidum
3. Stratum granulosum
4. Stratum spinosum
5. Stratum basale

Question 4

Layer of the epidermis that is continuously shed, made of 15-20 layers of flattened non-nucleated keratinized/cornified cells

Answer 4

Stratum corneum

Question 5

Layer of epidermis found only in areas of THICK, GLABROUS skin, described as a translucent layer of flattened eosinophilic cells

Answer 5

Stratum lucidum

Question 6

Layer of epidermis made up of 3-5 layers of flattened polygonal cells, cytoplasm filled with basophilic masses called KERATOHYALINE GRANULES

Answer 6

Stratum granulosum

Question 7

Layer of epidermis considered to be the thickest, made up of polyhedral cells synthesizing KERATIN FILAMENTS, forming bundles called TONOFIBRILS which converge and terminate at DESMOSOMES

Answer 7

Stratum spinosum

Question 8

Layer of epidermis made up of a single layer of basophilic columnar/cuboidal cells along the basement membrane with intense MITOTIC ACTIVITY

Answer 8

Stratum basale

Question 9

Skin cell found in the parenchyma, producing keratin

Answer 9

Keratinocyte

Question 10

Skin cell found in the basal layer and junctional zone of the dermis, responsible for UV protection, containing tyrosinase for melanin production

Answer 10

Melanocyte

Question 11

Dendritic cells found in the stratum spinosum of the skin, containing rod-shaped granules for immunity (antigen-presenting cell/APC)

Answer 11

Langerhans cell