Skin Flashcards
What occurs in the basal layer of the epidermis?
Basal keratinocytes undergo mitosis. Their daughter cells begin to move upwards in the epidermis producing keratins.
In which layer of the epidermis do the keratinocytes lose their plasma membrane?
The granular layer
What does the stratum corneum consist of?
It is made of layers of flattened corneocytes. These provide defence.
Name the two other cell types found in the epidermis and give details about where they are found and their function. (Other than corneocytes and keratinocytes)
- Melanocytes: Occur at intervals along the basal layer of the epidermis. They produce melanin.
- Langerhan cells: They are scattered through the prickle cell layer. They present antigens to T lymphocytes and mediate immune reactions.
A good prognosis in a malignant melanoma is associated with….
Retention of the malignant melanocytes above the epidermal basement membrane.
Which stained is best used to view the dermo-epidermal juction?
PAS stain
Which common skin condition is associated with extreme proliferation of the epidermal basal layer?
Psoriasis. The extreme proliferation of the epidermal basal layer, causes gross thickening of the prickle cell layer and production of excessive corneum.
What is a malignant melanoma and how do they usually present?
It is an aggressive malignant tumour of the melanocytes. They usually present very similar to common moles.
What is vitiligo?
It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the melanocytes. This causes well-demarcated depigmentation
The dermis is ……. …… connective tissue
Dense irregular
What types of fibres does the dermis contain?
Type 1 collagen and elastin
What is solar elastosis?
It is damage to collagen and elastin in the dermis, caused be excessive UV exposure.
The smaller blood vessels are found in which part of the dermis?
The superficial dermis
Where are mast cells found in the dermis?
Near blood vessels
The pilosebaceous unit is a type of …….. …… gland
Branched acinar gland
