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Flashcards in Skin Deck (13)
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1
Q

6 functions of the skin

A
  1. Barrier to infection
  2. Thermoregulation
  3. Protects against trauma
  4. Protects against UV
  5. Vit D synthesis
  6. Regulate H2O loss
2
Q

Basic layers of the skin (3)

A
  1. Epidermis
  2. Dermis
  3. Subcutaneous tissue
3
Q

What is the normal pH of the skin?

A

pH 5.5 (acidic)

4
Q

Function of filaggrin (part of the cornified envelope)?

A

Produces natural moisturising factor (NMF)

5
Q

Functions of NMF (2)?

A

Helps maintain skin’s hydration (keeps H2O inside the skin).

Helps maintain an acidic env at outer surface of stratum corneum.

6
Q

What does a healthy skin barrier contain (5)?

A
Filaggrin
Lipid lamellae
Cornified envelope
Swelled corneocytes (containing NMF and H2O)
Corneodesmosomes
7
Q

What is the purpose of desquamation?

A

Balance the introduction of new cells in the basal layer of the epidermis.

8
Q

What is desquamation and how does it take place?

A

Shedding of mature corneocytes from the surface of the stratum corneum, by the action of protease enzymes breaking down extracellular corneodesmosomes.

9
Q

Why is normal skin pH 5.5? (2)

A

Prevents protease enzymes from carrying out desquamation

Protects against infection

10
Q

What does the lipid lamellae do?

A

Keeps water inside the skin cells.

Irritants & allergens bounce off the skin surface.

11
Q

Where does proliferation of the skin occur?

A

In the basal layer

12
Q

What are the layers of the epidermis? (5)

A
  1. Stratum corneum
  2. Stratum lucidum
  3. Granular layer
  4. Spinous layer
  5. Basal layer
13
Q

What are the functions of the subcutaneous tissue?

A
  1. Insulation
  2. Shock absorbance
  3. Energy store