Skin Structure: Epidermis Rete Ridges

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary collagen type found in the reticular dermis?

Type I collagen (correct)

Type IV collagen

Type II collagen

Type III collagen

What should be the orientation of an incision to minimize tension on relaxed skin tension lines?

Obliquely

Perpendicular

Radial

Parallel (correct)

Which of the following conditions is associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy?

Increased AV shunting (correct)

Decreased blood flow

Bone density increase

Increased blood vascularization

What is the impact of incisions made perpendicular to relaxed skin tension lines?

They heal with greater tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of interstitial fluid control?

Maintain local blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

When performing an incision, which consideration is LEAST relevant?

Minimizing the number of sutures Signup and view all the answers

What pattern may indicate skin motility when performing a pinch test?

S-shaped pattern Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the arrangement of collagen fibers in the reticular dermis?

Interwoven and bundled Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of psoriasis?

Accelerated rate of epidermal turnover Signup and view all the answers

Which type of collagen is primarily found in the papillary dermis?

Type III collagen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the dermal papillae?

Supply oxygen and nutrients to the epidermis Signup and view all the answers

What role do tight junctions play in the epidermis?

Act as a barrier to pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Where is the subpapillary plexus located?

In the papillary dermis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the arteriovenous anastomoses in acral skin?

Act as shunts for heat conservation Signup and view all the answers

What does the subcutaneous plexus primarily consist of?

A network of small arteries Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood flow in acral skin during hot weather?

Increased blood flow to maintain body temperature Signup and view all the answers

What protein is primarily responsible for providing skin with tensile strength?

Type I Collagen Signup and view all the answers

Which change is NOT typically associated with aging skin?

Increased sweat gland production Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the uncontrolled synthesis of collagen at a site of dermal injury?

Keloids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of elastin in the skin?

To allow skin to return to its original shape Signup and view all the answers

What type of skin tear is characterized by a complete loss of tissue?

Category III Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skin changes involves a slower turnover of keratinocytes?

Epidermal Changes Signup and view all the answers

What impact does UVA light have on the skin?

It penetrates window glass Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type plays a major role in allergic reactions such as urticaria?

Mast cells Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the dermis with aging in terms of collagen production?

Decreased collagen production Signup and view all the answers

What clinical condition results from inflammation of the subcutaneous skin layer?

Erythema nodosum Signup and view all the answers

What is a clinical correlation associated with sudomotor atrophy?

Diabetic neuropathy Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by abnormal sensation and can lead to numbness?

Dysesthesia Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the thickening of the nail plate?

Onychauxis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of paronychia?

Trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which nail condition is associated with a hooked, claw-like deformity?

Onychogryphosis Signup and view all the answers

What effect do deeper and closer rete ridges have on the skin?

Increase the number of cells per square inch Signup and view all the answers

What does leukonychia signify when it appears as punctate white spots?

Matrix trauma Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of wound healing does re-epithelialization primarily occur?

Proliferative Signup and view all the answers

Beau's Lines are characterized by what alteration in the nail plate?

Transverse depressions Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with the absence of nails?

Anonychia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between partial thickness and full thickness wounds?

Full thickness wounds result in tissue loss below the dermis Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the remodeling phase of wound healing?

Collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by green discoloration of the nails?

Green Nail Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of diabetic neuropathy?

Hyperglycemia-induced nerve damage Signup and view all the answers

Which skin graft type has a higher risk of failure?

Full thickness skin graft Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor affecting mechanical strength at the epidermal/dermal junction?

Depth and number of rete ridges Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism leads to the formation of spongiotic vesicles in spongiotic dermatitis?

Rupture of desmosomes in the epidermis Signup and view all the answers

Which protein produced in the granular layer of the epidermis helps retain water in keratinocytes?

Filaggrin Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes bullous pemphigoid?

Autoantibodies target hemi-desmosomes of basal keratinocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of mutations in filaggrin?

Atopic dermatitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of hemostasis in the wound healing process?

To prevent blood loss Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the number of rete ridges have on skin characteristics?

Enhances tissue strength Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skin graft is better for cosmetic results but may have more functional loss?

Split thickness graft Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily involved in the inflammatory response during wound healing?

Platelets and neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Skin Structure and Physiology

Rete ridges in the epidermis originate from cells in the basal layer, which divide and migrate upwards.
Deeper and closer rete ridges correlate to thicker skin and more cells per square inch.
Rete ridges strengthen the connection between epidermis and dermis, enhancing tissue strength.

Epidermal/Dermal Junction

Crucial for skin healing, the junction provides cells for repair and mechanical strength.
Healing speed is influenced by the depth and density of rete ridges, relevant to conditions like skin tears.

Stages of Wound Healing

Hemostasis occurs within hours after injury.
Inflammation lasts 3 hours to 3 days.
Proliferative phase progresses from 3 to 21 days.
Remodeling phase lasts 21 days up to 2 years.

Molecular Environment of Wounds

Key molecules include PDGF, TGF-B, EGF, and VEGF, promoting cell migration and collagen remodeling.
Inflammatory cells aid the initial response and transition to healing.

Types of Wounds

Partial thickness wounds involve only the epidermis and dermis, mainly healing by re-epithelialization.
Full thickness wounds damage subcutaneous layers, requiring a more complex healing process.

Skin Grafts

Split-thickness grafts consist of epidermis and part of the dermis, often leading to better survival and coverage.
Full thickness grafts encompass the entire dermal layer, offering better cosmetic outcomes but with a higher failure rate.

Skin Disorders

Spongiotic dermatitis includes conditions like atopic dermatitis and dyshydrotic eczema, characterized by spongiotic vesicle formation.
Autoimmune disorders such as bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris lead to blistering due to antibody attacks on skin components.

Filaggrin and Barrier Function

Filaggrin retains water in keratinocytes; mutations are linked to atopic dermatitis.
The epidermal barrier is crucial for preventing water loss and pathogen entry.

Aging and Skin Changes

Aging skin shows a thinning epidermal/dermal junction and reduced collagen, leading to slower healing and decreased sensation.
Photoaging results from UV exposure, with UVA penetrating deeper than UVB.

Relaxed Skin Tension Lines (RSTL)

Surgical incisions made parallel to RSTL reduce tension and promote better healing.
Orientation of incisions affects the likelihood of gaping or scarring.

Dermal Anatomy and Collagen

The reticular dermis contains thicker collagen fibers primarily type I, crucial for tensile strength.
Keloids result from excessive collagen production at wound sites.

Subcutaneous Tissue

The adipose layer stores triglycerides and is essential for insulation and shock absorption.
Erythema nodosum reflects inflammation in the subcutaneous layer, often due to immune responses.

Skin Function

Skin provides protection, thermoregulation, sensation, and immunologic functions, crucial for overall health.
Dysfunction in sensory nerves can lead to conditions such as pruritus and diabetic neuropathy.

Nail Terminology

Onychauxis involves thickening of the nail plate; onycholysis signifies separation from the nail bed.
Onychocryptosis refers to ingrown nails, and onychomycosis indicates fungal infections of nails.

Abnormal Nail Conditions

Beau’s lines appear as transverse depressions, indicating trauma or systemic illness.
Green nail syndrome often accompanies onycholysis and suggests bacterial involvement.

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Description

This quiz explores the structure and function of epidermis rete ridges, focusing on how cells in the basale layer divide and migrate. It highlights the significance of deeper and closer rete ridges in determining skin thickness and strength. Test your knowledge on the anatomy of skin and its components.