SUGER (summary sheets) Flashcards
(312 cards)
Where does normal proliferation of the skin occur?
Just in the basal layer
What are the 6 functions of the skin?
- Barrier to infection
- Thermoregulation
- Protection against trauma
- Vitamin D synthesis
- Regulate water loss
What are the basic layers of the skin?
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Subcutaneous tissue
What is the outermost layer of the epidermis?
The stratum corneum
Where are corneo-desmosomes and desmosomes found in the skin?
Epidermis
What is the function of corneo-desmosomes (adhesion molecules)?
Keep the corneocytes together
When are there an increased number of corneodesmosomes in the epidermis?
In diseases such as psoriasis when there is a thickening of the stratum corneum
When are there an decreased number of corneodesmosomes in the epidermis?
In diseases such as atopic eczema when there is a thinning of the stratum corneum - meaning an increased risk of inflammation
What is the function of filaggrin?
Produces natural moisturising factor (NMF)
Where is filaggrin derived from?
From profilaggrin
What is profilaggrin?
A structural component of the cornfield envelope
How is the skins hydration maintained?
With the corneocytes being filled with NMF, which keeps water inside the skin
What is an important role of NMF?
Helps maintain an acidic environment at the outer surface of the stratum corneum
What is desquamation in skin and why is it done?
- The shedding of mature corneocytes from the surface of the stratum corneum
- In order to balance the introduction of new cells in the basal layer of the epidermis
How does the desquamation of the skin happen?
Involves the degradation of the extracellular corneo-desmosomes under the action of proteases
What is the normal pH of the skin and why is this maintained?
- pH 5.5
- Allows proteases to remain on the skin, thereby enabling the balance of new cells from the basal layers
What is the function of the lipid lamellae of the skin?
Keeps water inside the skin cells
What makes irritants and allergens ‘bounce’ off the skin?
The presence of the lipid lamellae
In the skin, what acts as an efficient barrier to the penetration of irritants and allergens?
The normal & intact stratum corneum
In the skin, which barrier prevents against water loss?
The normal & intact stratum corneum
What is the brick wall model of the skin?
- Corneocytes are bricks
- The corneodesmosomes are iron rods
- The lipid lamellae is the cement
What is the role of vitamin D in the skin?
Essential in producing the anti-microbial peptides necessary to defend the skin from bacteria and viruses
What do irritants do to the skin?
Breaks down healthy skin
What do allergens do to the skin?
Trigger skin flare ups by penetrating into the skin and causing the skin to react