Integument Flashcards
Characteristics of the Epidermis
- Tough, leathery outer surface of skin
- .05-.15 mm in thickness (up to 1.4 in thick skin)
- 5 layers
- Fairly avascular
how often does the epidermis regenerate?
every 14-21 days
Cell components of the epidermis
Keratinocytes, Eosinophils, Melanocytes, Lymphocytes, Langerhans cells, Merkel and Basal Cells
Layers of the epidermis
- Stratum Basale
- Stratum Spinosum
- Stratum Granulosum
- Stratum Lucidum
- Stratum Corneum
Stratum Basale
- Single row of keratinocytes (produce keratin)
- Deepest layer
- Attached to dermis via basement membrane (extra-cellular) and basal cells
- Diffusion through the basement membrane is how the epidermis receives its nutrition
- Concentration of Merkel cells
Stratum Spinosum
- Several rows of mature, slightly flattened keratinocytes called tonofibrils
- Melanocytes appear between stratum basale and stratum spinosum
- Appear “spiny” due to kearatin filaments
- Where most Langerhans cells are found
Stratum Granulosum
- 3-5 rows of flattened cells
- increased keratin concentration
Stratum Lucidum
- Few layers of flattened cells, densely packed
- Mostly flattened eosinophils
- Dead keratinocytes
Stratum Corneum
- Outermost layer
- 15-20 cells thick (dead keratinized cells)
- 3/4 of the thickness of epidermis
Melanocytes
produce the pigment melanin
Merkle Cells
specialized mechanoreceptors for light touch
Langerhan’s Cells
- found in deeper layers
- help to fight infection
What do keratinocyte (living and dead) provide?
mechanical strength
Non-cellular components of the epidermis
a. Basement membrane – binds dermis to epidermis
b. Desmosomes – between epithelial cells; bond them together
c. Hemidesmosomes – bind basal cells to basement membrane
d. Tonofibrils – protects skin from friction and pressure
e. Hair follicles
f. Sudoriferous Glands
What are Sudoriferous Glands
- Present everywhere except the lips and ears
- Secrete sweat in to ducts
- Helps to decrease the growth of bacteria
Characteristics of the Dermis
2-4 mm thick
layers are less defined than in epidermis
Papillary Dermis
- Superficial layer
- Contain FIBROBLASTS, mast cells and macrophages
- Loosely woven fibers with ground substance
- Ridges and valleys conform to the contours of the
__________________ layer of the epidermis and
creates an anchor - Where blisters occur
Reticular Dermis
- Dense, irregular CT
- Primarily type I collagen
- Has elastin fibers
- Location of nerve endings, glands and hair follicle plexus
- Deepest layer
- Gives structural support
Cell Types in the Dermis
Fibroblasts
Macrophages
Mast Cells
Fibroblasts in Dermis
Produce blank and blank fibers
Macrophages in the Dermis
Fight infection by releasing destructive enzymes
Mast Cells in the Dermis
- Secretory cells
- Produce ____________ which is important in initiating an inflammatory response
Non-Cellular Components in the Dermis
- Root hair plexus
- Each hair has a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum
- Ruffini Corpuscles
- Meissner and Pacinian Corpuscles
Root Hair Plexus
- Soft keratin
- Found everywhere except ___________ &
____________ - Help regulate body temperature by trapping air between
hair and skin surface