Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the epidermis?
What is the primary function of the epidermis?
What is the mnemonic used to remember the layers of the epidermis?
What is the mnemonic used to remember the layers of the epidermis?
What are the two layers of the dermis?
What are the two layers of the dermis?
What is the function of the hair?
What is the function of the hair?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the sudoriferous glands?
What is the function of the sudoriferous glands?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the deepest layer of the skin?
What is the deepest layer of the skin?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the stratum granulosum?
What is the function of the stratum granulosum?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of cells are found in the stratum basale?
What type of cells are found in the stratum basale?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Skin Layers
- The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin, composed of epithelial tissue, and contains keratinocytes.
- It protects against dehydration, UV radiation, and pathogens.
Epidermal Layers
- Stratum Corneum: outermost, protective layer composed of corneocytes.
- Stratum Lucidum: layer of dead keratinocytes that are not yet differentiated into corneocytes, only present in palms and soles.
- Stratum Granulosum: contains keratinocytes that form a water barrier.
- Stratum Spinosum: contains keratinocytes with long extensions (“spines”), important for strength (desmosomes).
- Stratum Basale (Germinativum): precursor keratinocyte stem cells proliferate here, site of light touch sensation (Merkel cells) and melanin synthesis (melanocytes).
Dermis
- Located just below the epidermis, the dermis supports the epidermis and cushions against injury.
- Composed of two layers: papillary dermis (more superficial and thin, high surface area) and reticular dermis (deeper and thick, made of connective tissue).
Hair
- Made of keratin, generated from hair follicles.
- Stands up via erector pili muscles, and offers sun and hypothermia protection.
- Only mammals have true hair.
Glands
- Sudoriferous (Sweat) glands:
- Eccrine glands (sweat glands) are located on the entire body surface and are important in thermoregulation.
- Apocrine glands are located at specific sites and secrete into a hair follicle, producing earwax (ceruminous) or milk (mammary), depending on their location.
- Sebum-producing glands:
- Sebum (oils + wax) is secreted into a hair follicle.
- Located over the entire body except at the palms of hands and soles of feet.
Hypodermis
- The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) is the deepest layer and contains larger nerves and blood vessels.
- Composed of connective tissue and primarily functions to store fat.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the structure and functions of the epidermis and dermis, the two main layers of the skin. Understand the layers of the epidermis and their roles in protecting the body.
