Intro to Derm (complete) Flashcards
Describe the general structure of the skin
- Epidermis (keratinocytes, melanocytes, merkel cells, Langerhans cells [aka DCs])
- Dermis (sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair follicles)
- Hypodermis
What are the functions of the skin?
1) Barrier
2) Vit D synthesis
3) Water homeostasis
4) Thermoreg
5) Insulation/calorie reservoir
6) Touch/sensation
7) Decoration/beauty
What are the Fitzpatrick Skin Types?
I: Never tans, always burns II: tans w/ difficulty, usually burns III: Average tanning, sometimes burns IV: Easily tans, rarely burns V: Very easy to tan, very rarely burns VI: Never burns
Describe melanocytes and their types
Pigment cells => produce melanin packaged granules called melanosomes (protect from UV)
- Eumelanin: brown to black pigment
- Phemelanin: yellow to red-brown pigment (found in red heads, blondes)
What are the differences in melanin in dark and light skin?
Light skin: melanosomes smaller — distributed in clusters above nucleus in keratinocyte
Dark skin: melanosomes larger and distributed individually throughout the cytoplasm of keratinocyte
Describe Vitiligo
Incidence: 0.5-2%
- Absence of melanocytes
- Acquired depigmentation
- Commonly seen in periorificial and acral areas
Which UV ray helps produce Vit D?
UV B
Not UV A, which are found in tanning beds
Describe the epidermis and its components
Top layer of skin
Components:
- Keratohyalin granules
- Keratinocytes
- Langerhans Cells
- Melanocytes
What are the different layers of the epidermis?
In order from top to bottom:
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum basalis
Describe the basal cell layer
the lowermost layer of the epidermis
Has the melanocytes!!
What are hemidesmosomes?
- Attachment point of basal cells to basal lamina of dermal epidermal junction
They connect the epidermis and dermis!!
What is bullous pemphigoid?
Autoimmune => Abs to the hemidesmosomes
Describe the stratum spinosum
- Appears spiny
- B/c cells are held together w/ spiny projections (aka desmosomes)
- Thickest layer of epidermis (above basal layer)
What are desmosomes?
Attachments between keratinocytes
Describe pemphigus vulgaris
AutoAbs to desmosomes
Intraepidermal blisters
Describe keratinocytes
Form skin barrier => protects from microbial, physical, chemical assaults
Also prevents H20 loss
Describe the stratum granulosum
Granular cell layer
- Cells here to loose their nuclei
- Prominent keratohyalin granules contain filaggrin
Describe the stratum corneum
- Made up of dead and desquamating keratinocytes
- Breakdown of filaggrin => forms natural moisturizing factor (binds to water and keeps skin moist)
- NMF levels decline with age
Describe the stratum lucidem
- Extra layer found in thick skin (palm, foot)
- Reduces friction and shear forces between stratum corneum and granulosum
Go look at the histo slide in ppt!!!