Skin

Question 1

6 functions of the skin

Answer 1

1. Barrier to infection
2. Thermoregulation
3. Protects against trauma
4. Protects against UV
5. Vit D synthesis
6. Regulate H2O loss

Question 2

Basic layers of the skin (3)

Answer 2

1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
3. Subcutaneous tissue

Question 3

What is the normal pH of the skin?

Answer 3

pH 5.5 (acidic)

Question 4

Function of filaggrin (part of the cornified envelope)?

Answer 4

Produces natural moisturising factor (NMF)

Question 5

Functions of NMF (2)?

Answer 5

Helps maintain skin’s hydration (keeps H2O inside the skin).

Helps maintain an acidic env at outer surface of stratum corneum.

Question 6

What does a healthy skin barrier contain (5)?

Answer 6

Filaggrin
Lipid lamellae
Cornified envelope
Swelled corneocytes (containing NMF and H2O)
Corneodesmosomes

Question 7

What is the purpose of desquamation?

Answer 7

Balance the introduction of new cells in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Question 8

What is desquamation and how does it take place?

Answer 8

Shedding of mature corneocytes from the surface of the stratum corneum, by the action of protease enzymes breaking down extracellular corneodesmosomes.

Question 9

Why is normal skin pH 5.5? (2)

Answer 9

Prevents protease enzymes from carrying out desquamation

Protects against infection

Question 10

What does the lipid lamellae do?

Answer 10

Keeps water inside the skin cells.

Irritants & allergens bounce off the skin surface.

Question 11

Where does proliferation of the skin occur?

Answer 11

In the basal layer

Question 12

What are the layers of the epidermis? (5)

Answer 12

1. Stratum corneum
2. Stratum lucidum
3. Granular layer
4. Spinous layer
5. Basal layer

Question 13

What are the functions of the subcutaneous tissue?

Answer 13

1. Insulation
2. Shock absorbance
3. Energy store