Skin histology

Question 1

what are the 4 layers of the epidermis

Answer 1

stratum basale
stratum spinosum
stratum granulosum
stratum corneum

Question 2

function of stratum basale

Answer 2

proliferates and provides cells for the surface

Question 3

how is the stratum basale attached to the basement membrane

Answer 3

tonofibrils are inserted into hemi-desmosomes of the BM

Question 4

what do the cells of the stratum spinosum look like

Answer 4

polyhedral-shaped keratinocytes with round-oval nuclei, prominent nucleoli and cytoplasm

Question 5

function of stratum spinosum

Answer 5

synthesise cytokeratins which accumulate in aggregates = tonofibrils

Question 6

function of stratum granulosum

Answer 6

has kertaohyaline granules that combine with tonofibrils to produce keratin

Question 7

what do the cells of the stratum granulosum look like

Answer 7

flattened interconnected keratin squames with no nucleus or cytoplasm

Question 8

what are the structures called that make up the dermis-epidermis border

Answer 8

epidermal rete ridge

dermal papilla

Question 9

where are melanocytes found

Answer 9

basal layer of the epidermis

Question 10

“look” of melanocytes

Answer 10

look like they have a clear area around the nucleus

- have projections up to the surface layer

Question 11

skin colour is determined by

Answer 11

• melanin content (genetic, sun exposure)

- blood flow

Question 12

where are langerhans cells found

Answer 12

in the epidermis

Question 13

function of langerhans cells

Answer 13

APC of the epidermis (modified macrophages)

Question 14

where are hair follicles found

Answer 14

in the dermis, and sometimes in the subcutaneous layer

Question 15

where are sebaceous glands found

Answer 15

dermis

Question 16

what do sebaceous glands look like

Answer 16

foamy looking

Question 17

where are sweat glands found

Answer 17

normally found in the deep dermis but sometimes in the subcutaneous fat

Question 18

histology of a sweat gland

Answer 18

2 layers:

• secretory = columnar/cuboidal
• basal = myoepithelial

Question 19

what is the difference in “look” between the sweat gland and sweat duct of the skin

Answer 19

duct looks darker

Question 20

what are the 2 main layers of the dermis

Answer 20

superficial layer = papillary dermis (fine collagen bundles)

deeper layer = reticular dermis (coarser collagen bundles)

Question 21

two main plexuses of the skin

Answer 21

cutaneous plexus

papillary plexus

Question 22

functions of skin

Answer 22

protection
sensation
thermoregulation
metabolism
immunologic
sexual attractant

Question 23

what is the difference in the skin of the scalp

Answer 23

• many more hair follicles (extend into the hypodermis)

Question 24

what is the difference in the skin of the soles of the feet

Answer 24

epidermis and keratin layers are much thicker
no hair follicles
sweat glands

Question 25

where do nails attach do

Answer 25

the periosteum of the distal phalanx

Question 26

what are the features of the skin of the vulva

Answer 26

majora - hair follicles and apocrine sweat glands

minora - no hair follicles, still keratinized, small bundles of muscle, sebaceous and aprocrine glands

Question 27

what are the 3 main factors influencing the healing of burns

Answer 27

burn depth
surface area
location