Skin Histology Flashcards
6 primary functions of the skin
Protection, heat regulation, excretion, secretion, and absorption
Acid mantle
Very thin, delicate protective barrier made up of sebum, lipids, sweat, and water.
Hydrolipidic
Is an Oil-water balance that protects the skins surface
Barrier function
Protective barrier of the epidermis; the corner and intercellular matrix protect the surface from irritation and dehydration
Transepidermal water loss
The water loss caused by evaporation on the skins surface
Intercellular matrix
Lipid substances between corneal cells that protect the cells from water loss and irritation
Melanocytes
The cells that produce pigment and protect our bodies from harmful ionizing UV rays
Melanosomes produce a protein called ____?
Melanin
Epidermal growth factor
Stimulates cells to produce and heal
Fibroblasts
Cells that stimulate collagen production and amino acids that form proteins to aid in healing
Arrector pili muscles
Small, involuntary muscles in the base of the hair follicle that cause goose flesh when the appendage contracts; sometimes called goosebumps and papillae
Sudoriferous glands
Also known as sweat glands; excrete perspiration, regulate body temperature, and detoxify the body by excreting excess salt and unwanted chemicals
Sebum
Oily substance that protects the surface of the skin and lubricates both the skin and hair
Sebaceous glands
Also known as oil glands, are appendages attached to the follicles that produce sebum
Subcutaneous layer
Also known as hypodermis; composed of loose connective tissue that creates a protective cushion, located beneath the dermis
Subcutis tissue
Also known as adipose tissue; fatty tissue found below the dermis that gives smoothness and contour to the body, contains fat for use as energy, and also acts as a protective cushion for the outer skin
Dermis
Also known as the derma, corium, cutie, or true skin; support layer of connective tissue, collagen, and elastin below the epidermis
Reticular layer
The denser and deeper layer of the dermis, is comprised mainly of collagen and elastin
Papillary layer
Top layer of the dermis; next to the epidermis
Dermal papillae
Membranes of ridges and grooves that attach to the epidermis; contains nerve endings and supplies nourishment through capillaries to the skin and follicles
Hair papillae
Cone shaped elevations at the base of the follicle that fit into the hair bulb; papillae are filled with the tissue that contains the blood vessels and cells necessary for hair growth and follicle nourishment
Collagen
Fibrous, connective tissue made from protein; found in the reticular layer of the dermis; gives the skins its firmness; topically, a large long-chain molecular protein that lies on the top of the skin and binds water; derived from the placentas of cows or other sources of
Elastin
The fibrous protein that forms elastic tissue and gives skin its elasticity
Glycosaminoglycans
Large protein molecules and water-binding substances found between the fibers of the dermis; GAGS are polysaccharide-protein and sugar complexes; they work to maintain and support collagen and elastin in the cellular spaces, keeping protein fibers in balance
