Skin Flashcards
Define skin
The outer external layer covering the body
What is the skin divided into?
Epidermis and dermis
What is epidermis formed from?
Formed of Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
Where is epidermis located?
Thicker in the palms of the hands & soles of the feet to withstand the continuous daily use of these parts
What is dermis?
It’s dense connective tissue that contains nerves, vessels, glands and receptors
Where is dermis usually thinner?
Anterior surfaces
What does the dermis contain?
Collagen fibers that are arranged in parallel rows called langer’s lines
How to prevent scars?
Surgical incisions should follow langer’s lines
What are wrinkles due to?
Loss of the elastic element of the skin
What are stretch marks due?
Produced by sudden change of the body size or due to some diseases and medications that leads to the sudden stretching the skin
What are skin creases?
Folds of skin that are usually located around the joints
What are functions of the skin?
Protection → from UV rays, chemicals, thermal factors and micro-organisms
Sensation → contains receptors for pain, touch, temperature
Regulation of body temperature
Metabolism → vitamin synthesis
Excretion → sweat by sweat glands
In cold weather what does the skin do?
Prevents heat loss by vasoconstrictions of its blood vessels
In hot weather what does the skin do?
Increases heat loss by sweating and vasodilation of its blood vessels
What structures are attached to the skin?
Hair follicle, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscle
