Skin Anatomy and Layers

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal when selecting a vehicle for topical formulations?

To facilitate immediate release of the active drug (correct)

To achieve a slow release of the active drug

To dehydrate the stratum corneum

To target the dermis layer of the skin

How does hydration of the stratum corneum affect the absorption of active drugs?

It is irrelevant to the absorption of active drugs

It has no effect on the absorption of active drugs

It hinders the absorption of active drugs

It facilitates the absorption of active drugs (correct)

What is an essential consideration when developing topical formulations?

The pH of the skin

The color of the formulation

The stability of the active agent in the vehicle (correct)

The texture of the skin

What is the purpose of using retinoids in topical formulations?

To act as an exfoliant Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge when targeting skin conditions with topical formulations?

The skin's natural barrier function Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of pharmacologic targeting of skin conditions?

To target specific cells or conditions in the skin layers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the epidermis?

To provide barrier function Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the skin is responsible for regeneration of new skin cells?

Stratum basale Signup and view all the answers

What is the thickness of the epidermis dependent on?

Exposure to friction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the dermis layer?

Dense, irregular, and connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the subcutis/subcutaneous fat layer?

Fat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the stratum corneum in the skin?

To provide a barrier against external substances Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the cellular turnover as we age?

It slows down Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following skin layers is vascularized?

Dermis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fatty layer in the skin?

To give the contour or shape of the face Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the dermis in relation to the epidermis?

To supply the epidermis with nutrition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern in topical formulation development for skin conditions?

Maximizing skin penetration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical factor in skin penetration enhancement?

Lipid solubility of the drug Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Selection for Dermatologic Formulations

Solubility of active agents: can be either water-soluble or lipid-soluble
Rate of release: select a vehicle that releases the drug immediately to facilitate absorption
Ability to hydrate the stratum corneum: ideal for better penetration of the active drug
Stability of the agent in the vehicle: important to consider interactions between the vehicle, stratum corneum, and the agent

Skin Layers and Their Characteristics

Epidermis:
- Mainly composed of keratinocytes
- Also contains melanocytes and Langerhans cells
- Complete turnover within 30 days
- Multilayered structure, continuously regenerating
- Thickness dependent on exposure to friction
- Provides barrier function
Stratum corneum:
- Cornified cellular structure made up of dead cells
Stratum basale:
- Where skin cells form or regenerate
- New cells mature gradually and move to the uppermost layer
Stratum lucidum:
- Found in the palms and soles
- Only present in areas without hair
Dermis:
- 1-4 mm thick
- Connective tissue composed of fibroblasts, fibers, mast cells, and macrophages
- Contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands
- Network of collagen, elastic fibers, nerves, fat, blood vessels, and bases of sweat glands and hair follicles
- Supplies the epidermis with nutrition
- Provides mechanical strength
- Defends the body against infection
Subcutis/Subcutaneous fat:
- Composed of fat
- Supports the dermis, provides cushioning and insulation
- Anchors the skin to deep fascia or muscle
- Serves to smooth out wrinkles in layers above
- Loss of fat in this layer as we age

Skin as a Pharmacological Target

Different elements or cells or conditions in the skin layers that can be targeted
Examples of topical ingredients used for certain skin conditions:
- Retinoids: used as an exfoliant
Importance of finding a way for the active ingredient to be absorbed in the layer where it needs to take effect

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Description

This quiz covers the different layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and subdermis, and their components, such as keratinocytes and stratum corneum. It's perfect for students studying skin anatomy and histology.