Skin Flashcards
What is skin?
The largest organ, a combination of tissues and is made up of squamous stratified fibres that are Ker
What does skin have?
Its own blood supply
How much of body weight does skin account for?
16%
What are the 3 layers of skin?
Epidermis, dermis and hypodermis
What are the functions of skin?
Acts as a major compartment separator, aids homeostasis, aids sensory reception and protects us from the internal environment
What is the epidermis?
Outer most part of skin made of epithelium. It forms boundaries between the ICE and ECE
What are the 5 layers of the epidermis?
Stratum germinativium, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum and the stratum corneum
What is the stratum germinativium?
Bound to the basement membrane by hemidesmosomes and bound to other cells by desmosomes. They are a regular assortment of organelles and is made up of stem cells
What is the stratum spinosum?
Spinous layer that is created after death. Cells within shrink and desmosomes create spines
What is the stratum granulosum?
Accumulation of protein around keratin intermediate filaments which are defined by the presence of keratohyalin granules
What is the stratum lucidum?
Similar to the stratum corneum but is hard to identify
What is the stratum corneum?
It consists of keratohyalin that has been converted into keratin. Desmosomes bind the cells and there are no organelles. It is strong due to disulphide linkages and has a 30-day turnover
What is dermis?
Connective tissue that provides structural strength
What are the 2 layers of the dermis?
Papillary and reticular layer
What is the papillary layer?
Loose connective tissue which creates an irregular interface with the epidermis. It contains cells (macrophages), BVs and nerve endings
