Epidermis and Skin Functions Quiz

The outermost layer of the skin, responsible for protecting the body from external factors.

The process of water loss from the body through the skin, primarily as water vapor.

The innermost layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells are generated.

The layer above the Stratum Basale, characterized by spiny-shaped cells, and responsible for cell adhesion and strength.

The layer above the Stratum Spinosum, containing granules that produce a protective barrier.

The clear layer of the epidermis, found only in thick skin on the palms and soles.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened cells that provide a tough, protective barrier.

The skin cells responsible for producing keratin, the structural protein of the epidermis.

The process of daughter cells maturing and migrating to the top of the epidermis to form the outermost layer, the stratum corneum.

The time it takes for new skin cells to form in the basal layer and mature into the stratum corneum.

The natural shedding of dead skin cells from the stratum corneum.

An abnormal increase in cell division and keratin production in the epidermis.

A chronic skin disease characterized by hyperproliferative hyperkeratosis, resulting in red, scaly plaques.

Nucleated cells that are found in psoriatic plaques, an abnormal finding in the stratum corneum.

The layer at the base of the epidermis where new skin cells are constantly produced.

The layer above the basal layer with spiny-shaped cells, characterized by strong connections called desmosomes.

Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response in the body. They are recognized by the immune system as foreign and are often associated with pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Antigens bind to specific receptors on immune cells, initiating a complex chain of events that lead to the activation of immune cells and the production of antibodies.

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are specialized immune cells that play a crucial role in initiating adaptive immune responses. They engulf and process antigens from pathogens or other foreign substances. After processing, they display fragments of these antigens on their surface, making it possible for other immune cells, particularly T cells, to recognize and respond to the threat.

Langerhans cells are a specific type of dendritic cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. They act as antigen-presenting cells, capturing antigens that penetrate the skin and presenting them to T lymphocytes in lymph nodes. This process is crucial for initiating immune responses against skin infections, allergens, and other threats.

The Finn chamber, also known as a patch test chamber, is a key tool used in contact allergy testing. It allows for the controlled application and exposure of suspected allergens to the skin. The chamber creates a sealed environment, preventing the test substance from spreading to other areas and ensuring accurate results.

Contact sensitization is an immune reaction triggered by exposure to certain substances (allergens) that come into contact with the skin. It's a type of delayed hypersensitivity reaction that involves the sensitization of the immune system to the allergen. This sensitization can occur after a first exposure, and subsequent exposures lead to an allergic reaction.

Patch testing is a common diagnostic method used to identify allergens responsible for contact dermatitis. It involves applying small amounts of suspected allergens to the skin under occlusive patches. After a set period, the skin is evaluated for signs of allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching, indicating sensitization to the tested allergen.

A positive reaction in a patch test indicates that the individual is allergic or sensitized to the tested allergen. This can be seen by the appearance of redness, swelling, or other signs of inflammation on the skin where the allergen was applied. It confirms the presence of contact allergy, suggesting the need to avoid the allergen in the future.

The majority of allergic reactions experienced from cosmetic products are often caused by the presence of preservatives and fragrances. These substances can act as allergens, triggering immune responses in sensitive individuals leading to allergic reactions like contact dermatitis.

A specialized mixture of water-soluble compounds found within the stratum corneum (SC) of the skin. It mainly consists of lactate, amino acids, and pyrollidone carboxylic acid (PCA).

A group of skin disorders characterized by excessive dryness and scaling. It occurs due to a defect in profilaggrin synthesis, disrupting the production of NMF.

A strong protein fiber that forms the main structural support of the dermis. It gives the skin its strength and elasticity.

Specialized cells found within the dermis. They are responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other essential proteins for skin structure.

A flexible protein fiber found in the dermis, responsible for skin's ability to stretch and return to its original shape.

The middle layer of skin, located beneath the epidermis. It gives the skin its thickness and contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles.

A type of enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen. Its activity can contribute to skin aging.

A tough, protective layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened cells and lipids, acting as a barrier against external factors.

The condensed structure formed when filaggrin interacts with keratin coiled-coils in the stratum granulosum.

The protein glue spots that connect corneocytes in the stratum corneum, responsible for cell adhesion.

Flattened, dead cells in the stratum corneum, packed with keratin fibers and devoid of cytoplasm.

A group of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol and long chain fatty acids, that form multiple layers in the stratum corneum, acting as the primary barrier to water loss.

A model describing the structure of the stratum corneum as a brick wall, with corneocytes acting as bricks and intercellular lipids as the mortar.

A layer of lipids that tightly packs between the corneocytes, acting as the main barrier to water loss in the skin.

A coiled-coil protein structure formed in the stratum granulosum, which plays a crucial role in the formation of the microfibril.

The uppermost layer of the dermis, containing fine, delicate type III collagen fibers, which gives the skin its smooth, supple texture.

The lower layer of the dermis, composed of thick, dense connective tissue, primarily of thick type I collagen fibers, providing support and bulk to the skin.

The junction between the epidermis and dermis, acting as an important barrier and anchoring the skin to its underlying connective tissue.

A gel-like substance within the dermis, containing proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, responsible for hydration, lubrication, and providing a medium for cell communication.

Complex carbohydrates that bind to proteins, forming proteoglycans, responsible for water retention and acting as shock absorbers in the dermis.

The most abundant GAG in the dermis, known as hyaluronic acid, playing a crucial role in hydrating the skin and providing a youthful, plump appearance.