Skin Structure Flashcards
What are other names for this skin?
cutis or integument
What are the 2 main layers of the skin and were are they derived from?
- epidermis
- ectodermal origin - dermis
- mesoderm
What are the 3 layers of the skin?
epidermis
dermis
hypodermis
Where is the epidermis located? Which cells are located in this layer? How is this layer nourished if there is no blood supply?
- top most layer
- mostly cube shaped cells
- when these die they get pushed to the surface to form the
keratinised layer
- when these die they get pushed to the surface to form the
- nourished by diffusion of nutrients from the dermis
What are the two qualities of the dermis layer?
- connective tissue layer (elastin and collagen fibres present)
- lots of blood vessels and nerves with specialised nerve endings
What are the most abundant cells in the epidermis? Where do they originate from?
keratinocytes
originate from stem cells in the stratum basale
- migrate to the outer layer and as they die they form a protective layer (keratinised layer)
What are the 3 functions of keratinocyte?
- keratin production
- intermediate filaments for strength
- synthesis of vitamin D (from cholesterol)
- secrete IL-1 to mature T cells localised in skin
There are 2 specialised cell in the skin. What are these?
melanocytes
langerhans cells
What is the origin of melanocytes? What is their role?
- neural crest origin
- role in skin pigmentation as they can produce and distribute melanin
What are langerhans cells?
dendritic APC
What is the role of Langerhans cells in skin infections?
take up and process microbial agents
present microbial agents found in all layers of skin
mop up invading foreign substances and present them to T and B cells
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. How does the skin provide mechanical protection?
the stratified keratinized epithelium is a tough layer which provides protection against external abrasions/injury and against invasion of foreign bodies
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. How does the skin osmoregulate the body?
regulates bodily fluids and ions through sweat
protects against fluid loss
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. How does the skin provide sensory reception?
receives sensory stimuli from external environment through different types of receptors (touch, pressure, heat, cold and pain)
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. How does the skin provide thermoregulation?
regulates body temp through arteriovenous anastomoses
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. How does the skin provide vitamin D?
skin is stimulated by ultraviolet light to provide initial stage of pathway (pro-hormone of vitamin D) leading to synthesis of vitamin D metabolites
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. How is the skin involved in excretion and secretion?
through exocrine glands
- sweat glands
- sebaceous glands
FUNCTIONS OF SKIN. What substances can the skin absorb? What is this process called?
transdermal absorption
substance include:
- drugs
- nicotine
- estrogen etc