Skin Flashcards
(76 cards)
What are the primary functions of the skin?
- Mechanical barrier/protection
- Prevent electrolyte, water loss
- Radiation protection
- Elasticity for movement
- Immune defense
- Temperature regulation
Additional functions include nerve receptors for perception and storage/excretion of vitamins and other substances.
What components make up the integument?
- Subcutis (Hypodermis)
Cutis: - Dermis
- Epidermis
- Modified skin structures (e.g., hair follicles, footpads)
The integument serves various roles, including protection and sensory functions.
What is the role of the subcutis?
- Loose connective tissue
- Insulation
- Energy storage
- Protection (e.g., footpad digital cushion)
The thickness of the fat in the subcutis varies by body region.
What are the two layers of the dermis?
- Papillary dermis 20%
- Reticular dermis 80%
The papillary dermis nourishes the epidermis, while the reticular dermis provides strength and flexibility.
How many layers does the epidermis have, and what are they?
- Stratum basale
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum lucidum (only in footpad/nasal skin)
- Stratum corneum
The epidermis typically has 4-5 layers.
What is the function of keratinocytes in the epidermis?
Keratinocytes are produced in the stratum basale and move up to the skin surface, differentiating and undergoing cell death before sloughing off in 20-30 days.
This process is crucial for the renewal of skin cells.
What is a mucous membrane?
A layer of cells that surrounds body organs and orifices, containing or secreting mucus to protect surfaces.
Mucous membranes are found in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.
What are the three layers of mucosa?
- Epithelium
- Lamina propria
- Muscularis mucosae
These layers play a role in capturing foreign particles and providing a barrier.
What are the three main types of hair?
- Primary hairs (guard hairs)
- Secondary hairs (undercoat)
- Tactile hairs (found on face and head)
Each type of hair serves different functions and varies between species.
What are the phases of the hair cycle?
- Anagen (active growing phase)
- Catagen (transitional phase)
- Telogen (resting phase)
Hormones influence the hair cycle phases.
What is the role of sebaceous glands?
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which provides antimicrobial properties and contributes to skin hydration.
Sebaceous adenitis is a condition that affects these glands.
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome consists of normal symbiotic organisms that inhabit the skin and play a role in health.
Levels of these microbes can be affected by various environmental factors.
What are the resident bacteria commonly found on canine skin?
- Micrococcus spp.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococcus
- Alpha hemolytic streptococcus
- Clostridium spp.
- Propionibacterium acnes
- Acinetobacter spp.
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
These bacteria are part of the normal skin flora.
True or False: Neutrophils and macrophages are phagocytic cells that engulf foreign material.
True
They also produce cytokines to attract other immune cells.
Fill in the blank: Vitamin A is critical for _______.
[epidermal differentiation and normal sebum production]
Vitamin A is often used to treat keratinization disorders.
How does temperature affect skin health?
- Low temperature can cause frostbite
- High temperature can lead to sunburn and other skin cancers
Extreme temperatures can damage the skin.
What is the purpose of a Woods lamp examination?
To identify fluorescing hairs indicative of fungal infections, such as M. canis.
Positive predictive value is 90%, negative predictive value is 94%.
What is the significance of Toll-like receptors in keratinocytes?
They recognize pathogens and establish an immune response.
This plays a critical role in the skin’s defense mechanism.
What factors can influence the skin microbiota?
- Breed
- Nutrition
- Hygiene
- Environmental conditions
These factors can affect the diversity and health of the skin microbiome.
What is the purpose of PCR in dermatology?
To detect dermatophyte DNA
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique used to amplify DNA sequences.
What does a positive Wood’s lamp examination indicate?
M.canis (apple green fluorescence)
M.canis refers to Microsporum canis, a common dermatophyte affecting cats.
What is the common finding in untreated cats during a Wood’s lamp examination?
Fluorescing hairs
Fluorescing hairs are typically easier to find in untreated cats than in treated ones.
What is the positive predictive value of Wood’s lamp examination?
90%
The positive predictive value indicates the probability that subjects with a positive screening test truly have the disease.
What is the negative predictive value of Wood’s lamp examination?
94%
The negative predictive value indicates the probability that subjects with a negative screening test truly do not have the disease.