The skin Flashcards
What two layers does skin consist of?
The epidermis and the dermis.
How far does the skin span?
From 1.2 to 2.2 square meters.
How much weight does the skin account for of the total body mass?
The skin accounts for 7% of the body’s total mass.
What’s the integumentary layer’s primary function?
The protection of external threats like bacteria, water and heat loss.
True or False: Only one layer contains blood vessels.
True the dermis is the only layer to contain blood vessels.
What is not part of the skin but lies just beneath to provide additional protection?
The subcutaneous it anchors the skin to underlying structures, absorbs shock and helps to insulate the body.
What cells make up the epidermis?
Keratinocytes, Melanocytes, Dendritic, and Tactile epithelial cells.
What function do keratinocytes serve?
They are responsible for producing keratin the protein which provides strength and protection to the skin.W
What process to keratinocytes follow?
These cells are formed in the deepest layer the basal stratum. As they move upward they fill with keratin and flatten. They die as they reach the surface and every 25 to 45 days this process sheds and renews the epidermis.
What is the function of the melanocytes?
Melanocytes produce the pigment which colors skin and protects against UV radiation.
What process does the Melanocyte follow?
Found also within the basal stratum melanocytes transfer melanin over to keratinocytes and form a protective layer over the nucleus.
What function do Dendritic cells serve?
These cells activate the immune system by ingesting foreign substances.
What process do Dendritic cells follow?
The dendritic cells form in bone marrow which give the cell its star shape. After their formation they migrate to the epidermis.
What is the function of tactile epithelial cells?
Tactile epithelia function as touch receptors.
Where are tactile epithelia found and what are they associated with?
They are found at the meeting of the epidermis and dermis. They are associated with sensory nerve endings.
