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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?
Which layer of the skin is responsible for synthesizing vitamin D?
Which layer of the skin is responsible for synthesizing vitamin D?
What is the primary feature distinguishing thick skin from thin skin?
What is the primary feature distinguishing thick skin from thin skin?
How do Langerhans cells contribute to skin function?
How do Langerhans cells contribute to skin function?
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Which type of sweat gland is primarily involved in temperature regulation?
Which type of sweat gland is primarily involved in temperature regulation?
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What triggers the darkening of the skin, or tanning?
What triggers the darkening of the skin, or tanning?
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Where in the body is thick skin predominantly located?
Where in the body is thick skin predominantly located?
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Which factor does NOT contribute to skin pigmentation?
Which factor does NOT contribute to skin pigmentation?
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Which layers of the skin contribute to Vitamin D3 synthesis?
Which layers of the skin contribute to Vitamin D3 synthesis?
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What is the primary function of lamellar granules released from the stratum granulosum?
What is the primary function of lamellar granules released from the stratum granulosum?
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In which layer does keratohyalin begin to change to eleidin?
In which layer does keratohyalin begin to change to eleidin?
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What constitutes the epidermal water barrier?
What constitutes the epidermal water barrier?
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Which of the following correctly describes the stratum corneum?
Which of the following correctly describes the stratum corneum?
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What role do desmosomes play in the stratum corneum?
What role do desmosomes play in the stratum corneum?
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Which structure is primarily responsible for preventing aqueous fluid penetration through the skin?
Which structure is primarily responsible for preventing aqueous fluid penetration through the skin?
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Which characteristic is unique to the stratum lucidum?
Which characteristic is unique to the stratum lucidum?
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What happens to cells as they move from the stratum granulosum to the stratum corneum?
What happens to cells as they move from the stratum granulosum to the stratum corneum?
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How does the stratum corneum contribute to skin function?
How does the stratum corneum contribute to skin function?
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What type of secretion do sebaceous glands utilize?
What type of secretion do sebaceous glands utilize?
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Which type of cell in eccrine glands is primarily responsible for the production of water?
Which type of cell in eccrine glands is primarily responsible for the production of water?
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Where are apocrine glands primarily found in the human body?
Where are apocrine glands primarily found in the human body?
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What is the mechanism of secretion for apocrine glands?
What is the mechanism of secretion for apocrine glands?
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Which regulatory system primarily influences apocrine gland secretion?
Which regulatory system primarily influences apocrine gland secretion?
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Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the germinal development of new keratinocytes?
Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the germinal development of new keratinocytes?
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What type of cells are found in the stratum basale layer of the epidermis?
What type of cells are found in the stratum basale layer of the epidermis?
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What is the main characteristic of the stratum spinosum layer?
What is the main characteristic of the stratum spinosum layer?
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Which structure enhances the connection of the epidermis to the dermis in the stratum basale?
Which structure enhances the connection of the epidermis to the dermis in the stratum basale?
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Pemphigus vulgaris involves which type of hypersensitivity reaction?
Pemphigus vulgaris involves which type of hypersensitivity reaction?
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What primarily accumulates in the stratum spinosum to form tonofibrils?
What primarily accumulates in the stratum spinosum to form tonofibrils?
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What is the main function of the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis?
What is the main function of the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis?
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The mnemonic 'Britney Spears Glows Like Candy' helps to remember what about the epidermis?
The mnemonic 'Britney Spears Glows Like Candy' helps to remember what about the epidermis?
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What determines the degree of skin pigmentation?
What determines the degree of skin pigmentation?
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What is the role of Langerhans' cells in the skin?
What is the role of Langerhans' cells in the skin?
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What is the significance of enlarged intercellular spaces in the stratum spinosum?
What is the significance of enlarged intercellular spaces in the stratum spinosum?
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What is the primary type of melanin found in most individuals?
What is the primary type of melanin found in most individuals?
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Which layer is primarily involved in the mechanical connection of cells through desmosomes?
Which layer is primarily involved in the mechanical connection of cells through desmosomes?
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What happens to hair when there is a decrease in melanocyte activity in follicular bulbs?
What happens to hair when there is a decrease in melanocyte activity in follicular bulbs?
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What is NOT a characteristic of Merkel's cells?
What is NOT a characteristic of Merkel's cells?
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Which of the following best describes the role of melanin in tanning?
Which of the following best describes the role of melanin in tanning?
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How are lichens similarly formed to Langerhans' cells?
How are lichens similarly formed to Langerhans' cells?
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What component helps to deliver lipid-soluble drugs through the skin?
What component helps to deliver lipid-soluble drugs through the skin?
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In terms of structure, what are the two layers of the dermis?
In terms of structure, what are the two layers of the dermis?
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What is the epidermal melanin unit composed of?
What is the epidermal melanin unit composed of?
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Which cell type in eccrine glands is primarily responsible for the secretion of proteins, ions, and metabolites?
Which cell type in eccrine glands is primarily responsible for the secretion of proteins, ions, and metabolites?
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What distinguishes apocrine glands from eccrine glands in terms of secretion mechanism?
What distinguishes apocrine glands from eccrine glands in terms of secretion mechanism?
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What type of secretion is utilized by sebaceous glands?
What type of secretion is utilized by sebaceous glands?
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Which regulatory system primarily influences eccrine gland activity?
Which regulatory system primarily influences eccrine gland activity?
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Where are apocrine glands most commonly located in the body?
Where are apocrine glands most commonly located in the body?
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What is the primary role of keratinocytes in the epidermis?
What is the primary role of keratinocytes in the epidermis?
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What is the primary role of keratinocytes in the stratum basale?
What is the primary role of keratinocytes in the stratum basale?
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During keratinization, which of the following processes occurs?
During keratinization, which of the following processes occurs?
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What is the typical turnover period for keratinocytes in healthy human skin?
What is the typical turnover period for keratinocytes in healthy human skin?
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Which layer of the epidermis is characterized by polyhedric keratinocytes and is germinal for new keratinocytes?
Which layer of the epidermis is characterized by polyhedric keratinocytes and is germinal for new keratinocytes?
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What is the consequence of a shortened maturation period of keratinocytes, such as in psoriasis?
What is the consequence of a shortened maturation period of keratinocytes, such as in psoriasis?
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Which feature is significant about the desmosomes in the epidermis?
Which feature is significant about the desmosomes in the epidermis?
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What characteristic differentiates thick skin from thin skin?
What characteristic differentiates thick skin from thin skin?
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Which structure is responsible for transferring melanin granules from melanocytes to keratinocytes?
Which structure is responsible for transferring melanin granules from melanocytes to keratinocytes?
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Where are melanocytes primarily located within the epidermis?
Where are melanocytes primarily located within the epidermis?
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What is the consequence of antibodies destroying desmosomes in pemphigus vulgaris?
What is the consequence of antibodies destroying desmosomes in pemphigus vulgaris?
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What type of cells constitute the major proportion of the epidermis?
What type of cells constitute the major proportion of the epidermis?
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Which statement accurately describes the stratum granulosum?
Which statement accurately describes the stratum granulosum?
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What process occurs in the stratum corneum?
What process occurs in the stratum corneum?
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What is the main protein produced by keratinocytes?
What is the main protein produced by keratinocytes?
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What is the function of Langerhans cells located in the epidermis?
What is the function of Langerhans cells located in the epidermis?
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What does the stratum corneum consist of?
What does the stratum corneum consist of?
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What role does melanin play in relation to keratinocytes?
What role does melanin play in relation to keratinocytes?
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What is a primary function of lamellar granules in the stratum granulosum?
What is a primary function of lamellar granules in the stratum granulosum?
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In which skin layer do flattened keratinocytes first begin to fill with keratohyalin?
In which skin layer do flattened keratinocytes first begin to fill with keratohyalin?
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What change occurs to keratohyalin as it transforms into eleidin?
What change occurs to keratohyalin as it transforms into eleidin?
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What is the pH of the stratum corneum?
What is the pH of the stratum corneum?
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What prevents aqueous fluid penetration in the skin?
What prevents aqueous fluid penetration in the skin?
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Which of the following layers contains living cells and contributes to Vitamin D3 synthesis?
Which of the following layers contains living cells and contributes to Vitamin D3 synthesis?
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What is a key characteristic of the stratum lucidum layer?
What is a key characteristic of the stratum lucidum layer?
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How does the stratum corneum help protect the skin?
How does the stratum corneum help protect the skin?
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What is the primary structural change of cells as they move from the stratum granulosum to the stratum corneum?
What is the primary structural change of cells as they move from the stratum granulosum to the stratum corneum?
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What happens to the desmosomes in the stratum corneum?
What happens to the desmosomes in the stratum corneum?
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What tissue composition characterizes the papillary dermis?
What tissue composition characterizes the papillary dermis?
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What is the primary role of dermal papillae?
What is the primary role of dermal papillae?
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Which collagen type predominates in the reticular dermis?
Which collagen type predominates in the reticular dermis?
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What are Langer’s lines associated with in the skin?
What are Langer’s lines associated with in the skin?
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What type of tissue predominantly makes up the hypodermis?
What type of tissue predominantly makes up the hypodermis?
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What function do eccrine sweat glands primarily serve?
What function do eccrine sweat glands primarily serve?
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What is the structural characteristic of apocrine sweat glands?
What is the structural characteristic of apocrine sweat glands?
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How does the reticular layer of the dermis contribute to skin function?
How does the reticular layer of the dermis contribute to skin function?
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What is a known result of the undulating pattern of the papillary dermis?
What is a known result of the undulating pattern of the papillary dermis?
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What are the two types of sweat glands mentioned in the content?
What are the two types of sweat glands mentioned in the content?
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Study Notes
Integumentary System
- Skin is the largest organ of the body.
- It takes up 15-20% of total body mass, covering 1.2-2.3 square meters of body surface.
Functions of Skin
- Protection from physical, chemical, and biological threats.
- Immune response initiation and regulation.
- Sensation through sensory receptors.
- Temperature regulation through sweating and blood vessel dilation/constriction.
- Storage of nutrients and synthesis of vitamin D.
- Excretion of waste products through sweat.
- Absorption of certain substances through pores.
Layers of the Skin
- Epidermis: Most superficial layer of the skin, stratified squamous keratinized epithelium.
- Dermis: Thick layer of connective tissue (CT) located beneath the epidermis, composed of papillary and reticular layers.
- Hypodermis: Deepest layer of the skin, mainly composed of adipose tissue, providing insulation and cushioning.
Epidermis
-
Stratum Basale (innermost layer):
- Single row of columnar/cuboidal keratinocytes connected to the basement membrane with hemidesmosomes.
- Houses melanocytes, Merkel's cells, and Langerhans' cells.
- Responsible for the development of new keratinocytes and skin renewal.
-
Stratum Spinosum:
- Several layers of polyhedric keratinocytes, interconnected by desmosomes.
- Responsible for the synthesis of keratin, forming tonofibrils.
-
Stratum Granulosum:
- Flattened keratinocytes filled with keratohyalin and membrane-coating granules (lamellar bodies).
- Lamellar bodies release lipids to form the epidermal water barrier.
-
Stratum Lucidum:
- Found only in thick skin, containing flattened dead keratinocytes.
- Keratohyalin transforms into eleidin.
-
Stratum Corneum (horny layer):
- Outermost layer of dead, keratin-filled cells.
- Primary barrier against physical, chemical, and mechanical damage.
- Helps regulate water loss, mineral loss, and protein loss.
Skin Color
-
Melanin: Pigment within melanosomes, responsible for skin color.
- Eumelanin: Usual type of melanin, resulting in brown/black pigmentation.
- Pheomelanin: Produces blonde and red hair color.
- Tanning: Increased melanin production and transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes in response to UV radiation.
Nonkeratinocytes
-
Langerhans' cells: Star-shaped cells, mainly found in the stratum spinosum.
- Immune cells that present antigens to T lymphocytes.
- Contain Birbeck's granules (tennis racket-shaped structures).
-
Merkel's cells: Located in the stratum basale.
- Responsible for fine touch sensation.
- Connected to nerve fibers and contain neurosecretory granules.
Dermis
- Papillary layer: Superficial layer of the dermis, contains finger-like projections called dermal papillae, increasing surface area for nutrients and waste exchange with the epidermis.
- Reticular layer: Deepest layer of the dermis, responsible for skin's strength and elasticity.
Sweat Glands
-
Eccrine sweat glands: Primarily responsible for thermoregulation.
- Secretory portion contains dark cells, clear cells, and myoepithelial cells.
- Regulated by acetylcholine (cholinergic).
-
Apocrine sweat glands: Located predominantly in the axilla, areola, perianal, and genital areas.
- Release their product by shedding a portion of cytoplasm (apocrine snouting).
- Produce pheromones and are regulated by adrenaline (adrenergic).
Sebaceous Glands
- Usually associated with hair follicles, forming the pilosebaceous unit.
- Secrete sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and hair.
- Holocrine secretion: Secretory cells undergo complete destruction to release sebum.
Changes In Skin With Age, Sun Exposure, Smoking, and Alcohol
- Age: Thinning of epidermis, reduced collagen production, and decreased elastin leading to wrinkles.
- Sun exposure: Increased risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation/sunspots.
- Smoking: Premature aging, wrinkles, and increased risk of skin cancer.
- Alcohol: Dehydration, leading to loss of skin elasticity and increased sensitivity.
Layers of the Epidermis
- The epidermis has 5 layers, from deepest to most superficial, which are: Stratum Basale, Stratum Spinosum, Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Lucidum, and Stratum Corneum.
- The Stratum Basale (germinal layer) is composed of a single row of columnar or cuboidal keratinocytes connected to the basement membrane by hemidesmosomes.
- The Stratum Basale also contains melanocytes, Merkel's cells, and dendritic (Langerhans’) cells.
- The Stratum Spinosum is made up of several layers of polyhedric keratinocytes with sharp protrusions called prickle cells.
- The Stratum Spinosum is where keratinocytes synthesize cytoplasmic intermediate filaments called cytokeratins, which accumulate in aggregates called tonofibrils.
- Keratinocytes in the Stratum Granulosum begin to fill with keratohyalin, a substance made of filaggrin and trichohyalin, and have membrane-coating granules.
- The Stratum Lucidum is present only in thick skin and is characterized by a thin layer of flattened dead keratinocytes.
- The Stratum Corneum (horny layer) is comprised of multiple layers of flattened keratinized dead keratinocytes without nuclei or cellular organelles.
- The Stratum Corneum acts as a barrier against physical, chemical, and mechanical damage and helps retain water, minerals, and proteins.
- The Stratum Disjunctum is a layer consisting of desquamating residues of dead keratinocytes present in thick skin.
Cells of the Epidermis
- Cells of the epidermis can be broadly categorized into keratinocytes and nonkeratinocytes.
- Keratinocytes are the most common cell type and originate in the basal epidermal layer.
- Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells derived from the neural crest and produce melanin, a dark brown pigment.
- Melanin is produced and stored in melanosomes, which are then transferred to surrounding keratinocytes.
- Melanin accumulation in the cytoplasm over the nucleus shields the DNA of multiplying cells from UV damage.
Dermal Layers
- The dermis is subdivided into two layers: the papillary dermis and the reticular layer.
- The Papillary Dermis is the superficial layer composed of vascular loose collagenous connective tissue featuring dermal papillae.
- Dermal papillae protrude against the epidermal ridges, increasing the contact area with the epidermis, strengthening the dermoepidermal connection, and facilitating nourishment of the dermis.
- The Reticular Layer is the deeper, thicker layer of the dermis, composed of irregular dense connective tissue containing thick, irregular bundles of collagen and elastic fibers.
- The elastic network in the reticular layer contributes to the skin's elasticity.
Langer's Lines
- Collagen and elastic fibers in the skin form lines of tension called Langer's lines.
- Skin incisions are usually made parallel to Langer's lines to minimize scarring.
Hypodermis
- The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) is a layer of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue.
- The thickness of the hypodermis varies among individuals due to the amount of adipose tissue.
Dermal Appendages
- Dermal appendages include sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles.
- Sweat glands are responsible for sweating, playing a crucial role in thermoregulation.
- There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.
Eccrine Sweat Glands
- Eccrine glands are regulated by cholinergic pathways and secrete sweat for thermoregulation.
- Eccrine sweat glands contain a secretory portion with three cell types: dark cells, clear cells, and myoepithelial (basket) cells.
- Eccrine gland ducts have a double layer of cuboidal epithelium.
Apocrine Sweat Glands
- Apocrine sweat glands are also merocrine glands and release their product by shedding part of their cytoplasm.
- Apocrine glands are larger and empty onto the superficial regions of hair follicles.
- Influenced by hormones, apocrine glands are found in areas like the axilla, areola, perianal region, and genital area.
- Apocrine glands secrete pheromones and are regulated by adrenergic pathways.
Sebaceous Glands
- Sebaceous glands are typically associated with hair follicles and are simple branched acinar glands.
- They secrete sebum into hair follicles through holocrine secretion, where cells accumulate lipids and undergo degeneration.
- Sebaceous glands are essential for lubricating the skin and hair.
- Free sebaceous glands are also present in areas like the eyelid, external acoustic meatus, and around the anus.
Keratinization
- Desquamatization is the process of shedding dead keratinocytes from the surface of the skin.
- The epidermis undergoes vertical maturation from undifferentiated basal cells to fully differentiated corneocytes in the Stratum Corneum.
- Human skin renews itself in about 47 days, with new keratinocytes generated in the germinal layer.
- Keratinization involves the breakdown of the nucleus and organelles and the thickening of the plasma membrane.
- This process provides the skin with its protective barrier and helps to regulate water loss.
Psoriasis
- Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by a rapid turnover of keratinocytes, resulting in a shorter maturation period (about 8–10 days).
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Description
This quiz covers the crucial aspects of the integumentary system, focusing on the skin and its various functions. It includes information on the skin's layers, specific functions, and the overall importance of skin in protecting the body. Test your knowledge on this essential organ!
