Lecture 2: Skin Flashcards
What is Function of Arrector pili muscle?
Contraction produces ‘goosebumps’. Improves insulation
What is Function of Root hair plexus?
collection of sensory nerves at the base of each hair follicle. Heightened sensation.
What are Sebaceous glands?
Gland’s that Produce oily secretion calledsebum
What is the Function of sebum?
- Nourishes hair shaft and naturallymoisturizes the skin.
- Water repellent
- Blocked hair follicles + infectiondue to ↑ sebum production leads
to acne.
Where and what do Eccrine sweat glands do?
- Found in most areas of the skin
- Pour watery secretions directly
onto the skin surface - Important in thermoregulation
and excretion - Some antibacterial action
What and where are Apocrine sweat glands?
- Found in specific areas eg:
armpit, groin and around the
nipples - Secrete sticky/oily and at times,
potentially odorous secretions
into the base of the hair follicle - Influenced by hormones, eg.
lactation
What and where are Apocrine sweat glands?
- Found in specific areas eg:
armpit, groin and around the
nipples - Secrete sticky/oily and at times,
potentially odorous secretions
into the base of the hair follicle - Influenced by hormones, eg.
lactation
Effects of Skin aging
• Thin epidermis
• Thin dermis
(sagging/wrinkling)
– Reduced collagen
• Impaired cooling (less
sweat)
Role of Melanin?
• The melanin pigment
absorbs UV light
– Protecting cells from
UV damage
Which cell produces melanin?
• Produced in melanocytes(ie. cells)
• Transferred to epidermal cells by melanosomes (Vesicles containing
melanin)
• Melanocytes are only found
in the stratum basale – (not shed)
What is a Mole?
- Cluster of melanocytes
- Over-proliferation can be
caused by sun exposure
What is a freckle?
-Melanocytes overproducing
melanosomes
-Over-production triggered by
sun exposure
What is the role of Vitamin D?
- Essential for calcium metabolism and strong bones
- UV exposure is required for its synthesis
What is Basal cell carcinoma?
• Common but relatively benign cancer
• Originates in stratum basale
• Metastasis (spread) is rare
What is Malignant melanoma?
• Rare but deadly cancer if not treated
• Originates in melanocytes (pigmented)
• Highly metastatic
• Mortality rate dependent upon tumour size
