Structure and Function of Skin I Flashcards
What are the two main layers of skin?
Epidermis
Dermis
The ectoderm forms which layer of skin?
Epidermis
The dermis is formed by which embryological structure?
Mesoderm
Which cells add colour to the skin?
Melanocytes
What are the four layers of the epidermis (from top to bottom)
Keratin
Granular
Pickle cell
Basal
A patient presents with a linear skin problem. Describe the likely cause?
Congenital defect
What does the skin consist of?
Epidermis Appendages (nails, hair, glands, mucosae) Dermo-epidermal junction Dermis Sub-cutis
95% of the epidermis contains what kind of cells?
Keratinocytes
What other cells can be found in the epidermis?
Melanocytes
Langerhans cells
Merkel cells
What can regulate epidermal turnover?
Growth factors
Apoptosis
Hormones
Give two conditions where control of epidermal turnover lost?
Skin cancer
Psoriasis
What occurs in differentiation?
Keratinocytes migrate from the basement membrane to regenerate epidermis
Describe the basal layer of the epidermis
Usually one cell thick and small and cuboidal
Describe the prickle cell layer
Larger polyhedral cells with lots of desmosomes
What can happen if the desmosome connnection becomes looser?
Water can fill the space causing blisters
