Anatomy & Physiology Of Skin

Question 1

What are some of the main cells of the skin?

Answer 1

1. Langerhans cell (immunity)
2. T lymphocyte (immunity)
3. Mast cell (inflammatory response, dermis)
4. Melanocyte (secrete melanin, this is then taken up into epidermal cells by phagocytosis, found in the basal (bottom) layer)
5. Keratinocyte (basal layer then migrate upwards, make keratin (protein gives tissues their strength) skin/nails/hair/
6. Fibroblasts (dermis, manufacture collagen)
7. Specialized nerve endings (pacinian corpuscles, merkel cells, meissners corpuscles, Krauses end bulbs, ruffini terminals

Question 2

What are the six main functions of Skin?

Answer 2

Regulation of body temperature 
Protection (mechanical damage / UV radiation) 
Excretion (sweating)
Synthesis of vitamin D 
Immunity 
Sensation

Question 3

Structure of the skin (how many layers and what are they)?

Answer 3

Epidermis (most superficial)
Dermis
Hypodermis/sub-cutaneous tissue

Question 4

Epidermis (how many layers and what are they)?

Answer 4

1. Stratum germinativum (basal layer)
2. Stratum spinosum (prickly layer)
3. Stratum granulosum (granular layer)
4. Stratum lucidum
5. Stratum corneum (horny layer)