B1. The structure of the skin and its function

From greek.doctor
  • 2 m2 and 4 kg
  • Structure
    • Epidermis
      • Stratum corneum
      • Stratum lucidum
      • Stratum granulosum
      • Stratum spinosum
      • Stratum basale
    • Dermo-epidermal junction
      • Basement membrane
    • Dermis
      • Papillary dermis
        • Loosely arranged collagen
        • Supplies epidermis with nutrients through dermal papillae
      • Reticular dermis
        • Densely packed reticular, elastic, collagen fibres
      • Connective tissue
      • Dense innervation
    • Subcutis/hypodermis
      • Fat
      • Connective tissue that anchors the skin to the deep fascia
  • Function
    • Mechanical, chemical, physical, microbial barrier
      • Desmosomes attach keratinocytes to each other
      • Hemidesmosomes attach keratinocytes to basement membrane
    • Protect against UV radiation
      • Melanocytes
    • Immune function
      • Skin associated lymphatic tissues (SALT)
      • Langerhans cells – tissue macrophages in stratum spinosum
      • Recruits the immune system when something crosses the barrier
    • Vitamin D synthesis
    • Sensory
      • Touch
        • Meissner corpuscles – fine touch
        • Ruffini corpuscles – pressure
      • Vibration
        • Pacinian corpuscles
      • Temperature and pain
        • Free nerve endings
    • Temperature regulation