The Skin

Question 1

What are the 3 main layers of the skin?

Answer 1

Epidermis, Dermis and Subcutaneous

Question 2

Name the 6 layers of the dermis

Answer 2

S. corneum, S. lucidium, S. granular, S. spinoseum, S basale, basement membrane

Question 3

Describe the functions of the dermis

Answer 3

Thermoregulation, provides the epidermis with nutrients and for strength and elasticity

Question 4

What holds the epidermis and dermis together?

Answer 4

Dermo-epidermal bridge

Question 5

What 3 glands do you find in the dermis?

Answer 5

Eccrine, apocrine and sebaceous

Question 6

Describe eccrine glands

Answer 6

Sweat glandss that are mostly found on your palms, soles of the feet and the axilla

Question 7

Describe apocrine glands

Answer 7

Scent glands found in axilla and genitals

Question 8

Describe sebaceous glands

Answer 8

Provide lipids that lubricates hair shaft. Found everywhere apart from palms and soles of the feet

Question 9

Describe the function of Stratum corneum

Answer 9

Waterproofs the skin

Question 10

Describe the function of Stratum granular

Answer 10

Contains grnaular cells that contain keratohyalin. Therefore, the main function of keratohyalin granules is to bind intermediate keratin filaments together

Question 11

Describe the function of Stratum spinosum

Answer 11

Provides the skin with strength and flexibility. elp the skin retain moisture and natural emollients that can keep the epidermis lubricated. Langerhans cells are present

Question 12

Describe the function of Stratum basal

Answer 12

Site of keratinocyte production

Question 13

Describe the function of Basement membrane

Answer 13

site of cell division

Question 14

Where do hair cells grow from?

Answer 14

The dermis

Question 15

What are hair cells made of?

Answer 15

Dead keratinised epithelial cells

Question 16

Name the 3 pigments of the skin that provide it with its colour

Answer 16

Haemoglobin, melanin and carotene

Question 17

Describe the skins protective function

Answer 17

Acts as a barrier

Question 18

Describe the skins physiological regulation function

Answer 18

Thermoregulation ie. sweat and goosebumps

Question 19

Describe the skins sensory function

Answer 19

Allows for sense and touch

Question 20

What type of epithelium is found in the epidermis?

Answer 20

stratified squamous epithelium

Question 21

What do keratinocytes produce and what is its function?

Answer 21

Keratin - helps to protect the skin

Question 22

What type of glands do keratinocyte produce and what is their function?

Answer 22

Lamellar glands - help to waterproof the skin

Question 23

What holds keratinocytes together?

Answer 23

Desmosomes

Question 24

Describe the structure of keratinocytes

Answer 24

Change from square shaped to flat as they become engorged with keratin, mature then die becoming flat

Question 25

What do melanocytes produce and what is its function?

Answer 25

Melanin - absorbs UV light to protect the skin. Also helps give skin its colour

Question 26

Describe the structure of melanocytes

Answer 26

Have protrusions that help to transport melanin to keratinocytes to protect them from UV light

Question 27

What can chronic UV damage result in?

Answer 27

1. DNA damage - p53 tumour suppressor gene - causing cancer
2. Abnormal skin pigmentation
3. Wrinkles and premature ageing
4. Blood vessel haemorrhaging

Question 28

Describe the function of Merkel cells

Answer 28

Sensory cells that act as touch receptors

Question 29

Describe the function of Langerhans cells

Answer 29

These are defence cells that look for presenting antigens and carry out immune surveillance

Question 30

Describe the function of stratum lucidum

Answer 30

It is responsible for the capability of the skin to stretch. It contains a protein that is responsible for the degeneration of skin cells