Skin and Breast Flashcards
What are the functions of the skin? (6)
1) Waterproofing
2) Barrier to infection
3) Thermoregulation
4) Protection (Trauma and UV)
5) Vitamin D Synthesis
6) Sensation
What is the epidermis made from?
Type 4 Collagen
What is the layer of epidermis closest to the basement membrane?
Stratum Basale: Epithelial And Melanocytes
What is the role of melanocytes?
Synthesise melanin and transfer to surrounding keratinocytes
What is the 2nd lowest layer of epidermis?
Stratum Spinosum: Plump polygonal keratinocytes with prominent intercellular adhesions (Langerhans and Merkel)
What are the roles of Langerhans and Merkel Cells?
Langerhans: Antigen Recognition
Merkel: Sensory
What is the Stratum Granulosum?
(2nd highest layer)
Flattened squames with eosionohpilic cytoplasm
(Haematoxophilic kerato-hyaline granules)
What is the stratum corneum?
Acellular layer with plates of keratin
Thick at sites of abrasion
What are the epidermal Adnexae and examples?
Downgrowth of epidermis into dermis
Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, eccrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands
What is the role of Sebaceous Glands?
Accompany hair follicles, producing sebaceous secretion (Holocrine)
What do Apocrine glands do?
Accompany hair follicles in armpits, anus, groins and genitalia
Produce Pheromones
What do Eccrine glands do?
Produce thin water secretion found everywhere
What are the 2 layers of the Dermis?
1) Papillary Dermis (Around ridges)
2) Reticular Dermis (Thicker and lower)
What sensory structures are found in the Dermis?
1) Meissner’s Corpuscle: Role of fine touch e.g. Palms, between fingers and toes
2) Pacinian: Large sensory with vibration, tickle and pressure sense
What is contained in the Subcutis and its function?
1) Adipose white tissue 2) Fibrovascular septa
Role: Insulation, food store and shock absorb
