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38405040 functions of the skin

38405040 functions of the skin

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Functions of the Skin

The skin protects the body. The skin protects the body from water loss. The

skin is involved in the production of vitamin D from precursors with the aid of

sunlight. There are many sensory receptors in the skin: pain, pressure, fine

touch. The skin is also involved in heat regulation.

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Types of Skin

Thick skin is found on the palms of the hand and the sole of the feet. Thin

skin is found everywhere else.

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Layers of the Skin

The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermis and the dermis.

Underneath these layers lies the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The

hypodermis is a layer of loose connective tissue.

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Histology of the Epidermis

The epidermis is formed by stratified squamous epithelium. Keratinization is

seen in the epidermis. Keratinocytes, melanocytes Merkel cells and

Langerhans cells are all found in the epidermis. The keratinocyte is the most

abundant cell in the epidermis. The melanocyte produces melanin, which is

responsible for skin pigmentation. The Merkel cell is a mechanoreceptor. The

Langerhans cell is a phagocyte. Langerhans cells are macrophages seen in

the skin.

The epidermis is divided into five layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum,

stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.

Stratum Basale

The stratum basale contains the dividing cells. This layer is also called the

stratum germinativum.

Stratum Spinosum

The stratum spinosum consists of a layer several cells deep. The cells have

pointy or spiny processes on them.

Stratum Granulosum

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The cells in the stratum granulosum contain keratohyaline granules.

Stratum Lucidum

The stratum lucidum is present only in thick skin.

Stratum Corneum

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer. It is also called the horny layer.

The cells in this layer are essentially bags of keratin. They contain no nuclei

or organelles.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The epithelium is classified as

"squamous" based on the cells of the surface layer.

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Histology of the Dermis

Beneath the epidermis is the dermis. The dermis is composed of a papillary

layer and a reticular layer. The reticular layer of the dermis is made up of

dense irregular connective tissue. Fibroblasts are found in the dermis.

Fibroblasts produces collagen.

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Functions of the Skin The skin protects the body. The skin protects the body from water loss. The skin is involved in the production of vitamin D from precursors with the aid of sunlight. There are many sensory receptors in the skin: pain, pressure, fine touch. The skin is also involved in heat regulation. Top of Page Types of Skin Thick skin is found on the palms of the hand and the sole of the feet. Thin skin is found everywhere else. Top of Page Layers of the Skin The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermis and the dermis. Underneath these layers lies the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The hypodermis is a layer of loose connective tissue. Top of Page Histology of the Epidermis The epidermis is formed by stratified squamous epithelium. Keratinization is seen in the epidermis. Keratinocytes, melanocytes Merkel cells and Langerhans cells are all found in the epidermis. The keratinocyte is the most abundant cell in the epidermis. The melanocyte produces melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. The Merkel cell is a mechanoreceptor. The Langerhans cell is a phagocyte. Langerhans cells are macrophages seen in the skin. The epidermis is divided into five layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. Stratum Basale The stratum basale contains the dividing cells. This layer is also called the stratum germinativum. Stratum Spinosum The stratum spinosum consists of a layer several cells deep. The cells ha ...
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