The Skin

Question 1

Compare and contrast healthy and unhealthy skin characteristics

Answer 1

Healthy Skin is dry, Supple and acidic
Unhealthy Skin Increased water loss (moist), excessively Dry and Flaky,

Question 2

Name at least three functions of the skin

Answer 2

Protection
Mechanical
Chemical
Immunological (Bacteria, Viruses, Fungus)
Reduces harmful effect of UV Radiation
Sensory organ (Touch, Pain, Temperature)
Thermoregulation
Vitamin D synthesis
Body Image

Question 3

Name the two main layers of skin

Answer 3

Epidermis and Dermis

Question 4

Name the five layers of the Epidermis

Answer 4

Stratum Corneum
Stratum Lucidum
Stratum Granulosum
Stratum Spinosum
Stratum Basale

Question 5

What is cornification and how long does it take?

Answer 5

The process of Epidermal renewal which occurs every 26 to 42 days where through Mitosis Stem cells, in the Basal layer evolve into keratinocytes gradually maturing and migrating upward through each layer to the stratum corneum.

Question 6

What Cells are located in the Epidermis?
What does each cell do?
Which epidermal layer is each cell located?

Answer 6

Keratinocytes 80% Produce Keratin
Melanocytes Determine skin color Basal
Langerhans Cells Recognize and present
Antigens to signal
T Lymphocytes
Merkle Cells Tactile reception Rete Ridges
Produce Nerve
Growth Factor

Question 7

What happens at the Basement Cell Membrane?

Answer 7

This is the layer which reproduces the cells.
Attaches to the dermis via the RETE PEGS or Ridges
Blister formation happens here.

Question 8

As pH increases what happens to transepidermal water loss?

Answer 8

As pH increases Transepidermal water loss increases

highest pH values are observed in the most hydrated areas, such as skin folds.

Question 9

What is normal skin pH and why?

Answer 9

> Normal pH is 4.5 and 6.5
protects against bacteria and environmental pollutants.
regulates skin’s oil and transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

Question 10

What factors effect Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

Answer 10

Aging Illness
Weather Conditions Nutrition
Hormonal Changes Medical Treatment
Wound Care Skin Care

Question 11

What are the layers of the Dermis

Answer 11

Papillary Dermis
Reticular Dermis

Question 12

Functions and structures of Papillary Dermis

Answer 12

> Contains lymphatic vessels to help with interstitial fluid management.
Fibroblasts produce collagen and ground substance.
Fibroblasts become contractile cell-myofibroblast during wound contraction.
When epidermis is healing superficial part of dermis is also involved in regeneration.

Question 13

Functions and Structures of Reticular Dermis

Answer 13

> Contains Collagen and Elastin fibers to provide skin elasticity and tensile stretch. (85% Type I and Type III collagen (fiber forming))
Larger blood vessels
Macrophages, Mast Cells, and Lymphocytes

Question 14

Name Three Epidermal Appendages

Answer 14

> Hair Follicles and Sebaceous glands
sweat glands
>Eccrine and apocrine glands
>Thermoregulations
Nails
>Hard Keratin
>Protect fingertips and toes

Question 15

What is the function of the hypodermis

Answer 15

Subcutaneous tissue consists of superficial fascia, vasculature, fat and connective tissue.
Attach dermis to underlying structures.

Cushions, Insulates, adds mobility of skin over underlying structures