Skin Flashcards
Name the layers of the skin
Stratum corneum Stratum lucidum Stratum granulosum Stratum spinosum Stratum basale Basement membrane Sensory nerve Dermis
What are the features of the dermis?
Contains most of the accessory structures (blood vessels, glands, nerves)
Formed by collagen and elastin
Responsible for elasticity and strength of skin
Acts as a waterproof barrier between body/external environment
Aids thermoregulation
In which type/s of skin is stratum lucidum found?
Only in hairless skin, eg fingers, palms, soles of feet
Name some of the accessory structures of the skin
Sweat glands Hair follicles Sebaceous (oil-producing) glands Blood vessels Lymphatic vessels Nerves
What is the epidermis?
The outer layer of the skin, mostly made of squamous cells
What is the dermis and what are some of its features?
The layer beneath the epidermis
It is thicker than the epidermis
It contains most of the accessory structures
Explain the stages of wound healing
Phase 1: homeostasis
Fibrin and platelets form a loose clot.
Damaged tissue triggers histamine release, to increase vasodilation and enable greater delivery of white blood cells
Phase 2: proliferation and migratory phase.
The exterior of the clot dries
The wound is infiltrated by fibroblasts to secrete collagen and strengthen the area
Fibroblasts trigger endothelial cells to proliferate and damaged blood vessels to regrow
Granulation tissue forms
Phase 3: maturation and remodelling
Lasts anywhere between 3 weeks and 6 months
Scab sloughs off, collagen fibres become more organised, blood vessels are restored to normal
What is the Extracellular Matrix?
The material between cells within tissues
A strong and flexible matrix within which cells are embedded and can move
What is haemostasis?
The process where fibrin and platelets form a clot
What is the purpose of the sebaceous glands?
Producing sebum to lubricate the skin and keep it supple
What are Merkel/tactile cells?
Cells which are associated with sensory nerve endings (called Merkel discs)
They act as touch receptors and are found at the dermal/epidermal boundary
