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Anatomy & Physiology: Skin Structure and Function

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Terms in this set (30)

  • What are the three layers of the skin?

    Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis.

  • What type of tissue composes the epidermis?

    Mostly stratified squamous epithelium.

  • How does the avascular epidermis obtain nutrients?

    By diffusion from blood vessels in the underlying dermis.

  • Name the four cell types found in the epidermis.

    Keratinocytes, Melanocytes, Langerhans cells (immune activators), and Merkel cells (sensory receptors).

  • Why are keratinocytes important for skin?

    They produce keratin, which provides the skin with its protective, waterproof properties.

  • What is the role of melanocytes and melanin?

    Melanocytes produce melanin, which protects against UV damage and determines skin color.

  • How do individuals with dark skin differ from those with fair skin?

    They have more active melanocytes producing more melanin, which is distributed differently in keratinocytes.

  • Where is the stratum basale located and what happens there?

    It is the deepest epidermal layer where cell division (mitosis) produces new keratinocytes.

  • In which epidermal layer does keratinization begin?

    Keratinization begins in the stratum spinosum.

  • What are desmosomes and where are they found?

    Desmosomes are cell junctions found in the epidermis that provide mechanical strength by linking keratinocytes.

  • Which epidermal layer is only present in thick skin?

    The stratum lucidum is found only in thick skin like palms and soles.

  • What is the function of the stratum corneum?

    It consists of dead, keratinized cells that form a protective barrier against environmental damage and water loss.

  • What type of connective tissue is found in the papillary layer of the dermis?

    Loose areolar connective tissue.

  • What are dermal papillae?

    Finger-like projections of the dermis that increase surface area and interlock with the epidermis.

  • What are Meissner’s corpuscles?

    They are sensory receptors in the dermal papillae that detect light touch.

  • What is the composition and role of the reticular layer of the dermis?

    It consists of dense irregular connective tissue with collagen and elastin fibers providing strength and elasticity.

  • What are cleavage lines in the skin?

    They are natural tension lines in the dermis formed by collagen fiber orientation, important for surgical incisions.

  • What causes stretch marks (striae)?

    Rapid stretching of skin tears the dermis, damaging collagen and elastin fibers.

  • What is the hypodermis composed of?

    Mostly adipose tissue that provides insulation and cushioning.

  • What gives skin its pinkish hue?

    Blood flow in dermal capillaries, especially oxygenated hemoglobin.

  • What causes skin to appear blue (cyanosis)?

    Low oxygen levels in blood cause a bluish tint.

  • What causes the skin to bronze in Addison’s disease?

    Increased melanin production stimulated by excess ACTH.

  • How does excessive UV exposure damage skin?

    It causes DNA mutations and can lead to skin cancer.

  • What is the function of hair?

    Protection, sensory input, and regulation of body temperature.

  • Where is the cuticle of the hair located?

    It is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of overlapping keratinized cells.

  • What causes greying of hair?

    Loss of pigment production by melanocytes in hair follicles.

  • What are the two major types of sweat glands?

    Eccrine glands (thermoregulation) and apocrine glands (active after puberty, produce odor).

  • What causes acne?

    Blocked sebaceous glands and bacterial infection leading to inflammation.

  • What is the ABCD rule for skin cancer detection?

    Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm.

  • How are burns classified?

    First degree: epidermis only; Second degree: epidermis and part of dermis; Third degree: full thickness including hypodermis.