Skin Physiology and immunity

Question 1

Function of the Skin

Function vs Disease

Function:

1. Innate and adaptive immunity
2. Skin barrier
3. Repair
4. Circulation
5. Communication/Social Interaction
6. Nutrition
7. Temperature regulation
8. Sensation

Answer 1

Disease

1. Infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders
2. Infection, fluid loss
3. Cancer, non-healing wounds
4. Infarction
5. Psychosocial
6. Vitamin D
7. Hypo/hyperthermia
8. Neuropathy, itch

Question 2

Anatomy of the Skin

• Layers
  
  • E___
  • D___
  • D___-e___ junction
  • S___c___ tissue/h_____
• Regional variability:
  
  • E.g. palms and soles none hair bearing

Answer 2

Anatomy

• Layers
  
  • Epidermis
  • Dermis
  • Dermo-epidermal junction
  • Subcutaneous tissue/hypodermis
• Regional variability:
  
  • E.g. palms and soles none hair bearing

Question 3

Epidermis

• 5 layers
  
  • Stratum basale
  • Stratum spinosum
  • Stratum granulosum
  • Stratum lucidum
  • Stratum corneum
• Avg 50 microns thick
• 4 major residential cells
  
  • Keratinocytes
  • Melanocytes
  • Langerhans cells
  • Merkel cells