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Questions and Answers
What are the main layers of the skin?
Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous tissue
What cells make up the epidermis?
Keratinocytes
Which layer of the epidermis is involved in mitosis?
The stratum corneum consists of living cells.
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What is the primary function of melanocytes in the epidermis?
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What are keratohyaline granules responsible for?
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What type of cells are Langerhans cells?
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Which epidermal layer is described as being a dense, thin layer in thick skin?
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The epidermis-dermis interface is enlarged by ___.
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The stratum spinosum consists of several layers of ___ cells.
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Study Notes
Skin
- Consists of:
- Epidermis (outermost layer)
- Dermis (middle layer)
- Subcutaneous tissue (innermost layer)
Epidermis
- A stratified squamous epithelium comprised of keratinocytes
- Keratinocytes undergo keratinization to form distinct epidermal strata (layers)
- Stratum basale:
- Single layer of mitotically active cuboidal cells
- Attached to the basement membrane by hemidesmosomes and integrins
- Attached to each other by desmosomes
- Stratum spinosum:
- Multiple layers of polyhedral cells
- Joined by desmosomes at the tips of short projections containing bundled keratin (tonofibrils)
- Stratum granulosum:
- Thinner layer of flattened keratinocytes
- Filled with keratohyaline granules containing filaggrin and proteins that bind tonofibrils
- Stratum lucidum:
- Thin, dense layer found in thick skin
- Contains dispersed proteins throughout the tonofibril bundles, making it appear clear
- Stratum corneum:
- Most superficial layer
- Cells have lost their nuclei and cytoplasm, leaving only flattened, keratinized structures called squames
- Bound by hydrophobic, lipid-rich intercellular cement
- Cells are worn away (thick skin) or flake off (thin skin)
- Stratum basale:
Epidermis - Dermis Interface
- Interdigitating epidermal ridges (pegs) and dermal papillae strengthen the interface
- Microvasculature in these structures provides nutrients and oxygen to the epidermis
Melanocytes
- Located in the basal epidermis
- Synthesize melanin pigment in melanosomes, transporting it to adjacent keratinocytes for protection against UV damage
Langerhans Cells
- Antigen-presenting cells that form a network throughout the epidermis
- Intercept and sample microbial invaders
- Migrate to lymph nodes for an adaptive immune response
Skin Properties
- The stratum corneum provides resistance to water loss, friction, and microbial invasion.
- These properties are mostly determined by the lipid envelope and keratin-filled cells.
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Description
Explore the anatomy of the skin, focusing on the three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. This quiz delves into the details of the epidermis, examining the characteristics and functions of its distinct strata and the role of keratinocytes in skin health.
