the skin

Question 1

What are the three layers of the skin?

Answer 1

epidermis, dermis, hypodermis/subcutaneous layer

Question 2

describe the structure of the epidermis

Answer 2

outermost layer of the skin
5 layers:
- horny layer - flat cells, sheds continuously
- clear layer - 3-4 cells thick, palms & soles, protects from friction
- granular layer - 2-4 cells thick, cells begin to die & flatten
- prickle cell layer - 10-20 cells thick, keratin & melanin production
- basal cell layer - single layer, column-shaped cells, produces new cells

Question 3

describe the structure of the dermis

Answer 3

middle layer
thickness varies
2 layers:
1. papillary layer
- wavy appearance
- blood & lymph vessels
- nerve endings
- joins dermis & epidermis
2. reticular layer
- dense, fibrous
- collagen, elastin & reticulin tissues
- protect & repair

Question 4

describe the structure of the subcutaneous layer

Answer 4

fat cells
protection
sweat glands
sebacious glands
nerve endings
arrector pili muscles
hair follicles
hair shaft

Question 5

papule

Answer 5

small solid raised lump

Question 5

open pores

Answer 5

stretched ducts or hair follicles

Question 6

pustule

Answer 6

small raised area containing bacterial infection

Question 7

impetigo

Answer 7

contagious bacterial infection
sores and blisters

Question 8

broken capillaries

Answer 8

pink-red lines on the skin

Question 9

boils

Answer 9

infected hair follicles

Question 10

herpes

Answer 10

viral infection
contagious
herpes simplex - cold sores. eyes, genitalia
herpes zoster - shingles (rash)

Question 11

tinea corporis

Answer 11

ringworm
fungal infection
rash in a circle

Question 12

milia

Answer 12

small, raised, pearly-white bumps

Question 13

folliculitis

Answer 13

infected hair follicles

Question 14

carbuncles

Answer 14

clusters of boils

Question 15

scabies

Answer 15

parasite
itchy, rash, spots
silvery lines

Question 16

pediculosis

Answer 16

lice
head lice/pubic lice

Question 17

eczema

Answer 17

dry, itchy skin

Question 18

psoriasis

Answer 18

scaly, flaky skin. overproduction of skin cells

Question 19

dermatitis

Answer 19

eczema caused by contact with harsh substances

Question 20

acne vulgaris

Answer 20

blocked hair follicles and sebaceous glands

Question 21

acne rosacea

Answer 21

redness, sensitivity to water and skincare products
dryness and swelling around the eyes

Question 22

cysts

Answer 22

fluid-filled lump just beneath the skin
overproduction of keratin

Question 23

moles

Answer 23

small coloured spots on the skin
harmless, but if they change it can be a sign of cancer

Question 24

skin tags

Answer 24

small growths that hang off the skin

Question 25

keloid scars

Answer 25

overproduction of collagen after injury

Question 26

urticaria

Answer 26

hives/welts/nettle rash

Question 27

sebhorrea

Answer 27

red, itchy rash and white scales
dandruff when on the head

Question 28

hyper-pigmentation

Answer 28

darker patches of skin
overproduction of melanin

Question 29

hypo-pigmentation

Answer 29

lighter patches of skin
decreased melanin production
vitiligo

Question 30

xanthomas

Answer 30

skin lesions containing cholesterol and fats
raised, yellow-coloured, waxy in appearance