Lecture 1 + 2 Flashcards
Describe the epidermis?
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
derived from the ectoderm
Describe the dermis?
dense connective tissue
derived from the mesoderm
Describe the hypodermis?
deep compared to the dermis
can also be called the subcutaneous fascia
contains variable amounts of adipose tissue arranged in lobules and separated by connective tissue
can find hair follicles, glands, and mechanoreceptors
What are the associated appendages of the skin?
- hair follicles and hair
- sweat glands
- sebaceous glands
- nails
- mammary glands
Functions of the skin?
- barrier
- immunological role
- homeostasis
- sensory info
- endocrine function
- excretion
What are the functions of keratinocytes?
- produce keratin- mainly in the stratum basale
- produce keratohyalin granules - spinosum and granulosum layers
- contributes to the formation of the epidermal water barrier
What do keratinocytes look like under a microscope?
Has a basophilic appearance has organelles (lots of free ribosomes) keratin filaments (cytoskeletal)
melanocytes under a microscope?
found in the basal layer
appear clear with large elongated nuclei
cytoplasmic processes extend between keratinocytes
no desmosomal connections but are attached to the basal lamina via hemidesmosome like structures
Functions of the melanocytes?
produce melanin that is transferred to surrounding keratinocytes for UV protection
skin color is the amount and ratio of melanin types present
How is melanin produced?
oxidation of tyrosine to DOPA to melanin
What are the two forms of melanin?
- Eumelanin - brownish
2. pheomelanin - reddish
Describe the function of eumelanin?
protects against UVR damage
degrades faster in light-skinned individuals
scatter and absorb UV rays and eliminate free-radicals
Describe the function of pheomelanin
allows more light to pass, thus increasing Vit. D production
found more common in atypical nevi and melanomas
increased oxidative damage
Function of langerhan’s cells?
Encounters, processes and expresses antigens (APC)
migrates to lymph node to present antigen to T-cell
involved in hypersensitivity reactions
expresses both MCH I and MCH II and receptors for IgG
langerhan’s cell structure?
the nucleus is indented making the nuclear profile uneven
have tennis racquet shaped granules- function is unclear
Merkel’s cell structure?
Have desmosomes and contain keratin filaments
nucleus is lobed
cytoplasm contains neurosecretory granules
possess antigenic markers of both epidermal and neural
What is the function of the Merkel cell?
Detect touch sensation
What is thick skin?
Found only in the soles and palms
usually hairless and has a much thicker epidermis
carries a stratum lucidum