Langerhans cells

(81, 5.1)

Macrophages found deep in the epidermis that consume microbes.

5-1

Merkel Cells

(81, 5.1)

Also called tactile cells, these cells signal the brain when an object has touched the skin.

5-1

apocrine sweat gland (84)

Type of sweat gland consisting of a coiled portion located in the dermal or subdermal region and a duct which secretes into hair follicles.  These sweat glands are concentrated in the axillae, areola of the nipples, and the anal region.  These sweat glands produce a viscous, cloudy, and potentially odorous secretion secreting starting at puberty.

arrector pili (83)

Smooth muscle in the skin associated with a hair follicle that may contract when a person is scared or cold.  Upon contraction, hair may stand more errect or "goose pimples" may form.

5-2

dermis

(81; 5.1)

The deeper and thicker region of skin that is composed of dense irregular connective tissue.

5-1

A type of sweat gland which opens onto the surface of the skin; when a person gets hot they become active in order to reduce body temperature.

epidermis

(80, 5.1)

Outer and thinner layer of skin which consist of keratinized stratified squamous epithelial cells. 

5-1

free nerve ending

(81, 5.1)

Sensory structures that supply the stratum basale and signal the sensation of  pain and temperature to the brain.

5-1

Tubelike depression consisting of epithelial cells which run deep into the dermis of the skin allowing hair a place to develop. 

5-2

hypodermis

(subcutaneous tissue)

(81, 5.1)

Consisting of loose connective and adipose tissue, this layer lies below the dermis.

5-1

integument

(80, 5.1)

Sometimes called the cutaneous membrane or skin.

5-1

integumentary system

(80, 5.1)

Group of organs that includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

5-1

A fibrous, waterproof protein which causes hardening of the statum corneum.

5-1

Pale, half-moon shaped area at the base of the nail which consists of a thick layer of rapidly dividing cells.

melanin

(81, 5.1)

The protein pigment mainly responsible for skin color.

5-1

melanocyte

(81, 5.1)

Specialized cell located deep in the epidermis that is responsible for producing the protein that gives us our skin color.

5-1

A gland found in the dermis, usually associated with a hair follicle, that produces an oily substance that is secreted into the follicle and then out onto the skin surface.

Secreted by sebaceous glands, this oily substance functions in lubricating, water-proofing, & disinfecting the skin surface.

stratum basale

(81, 5.1)

One layer of cells thick, this deepest stratum of the epidermis consists of cells that are rapidly undergoing mitosis.

5-1

stratum corneum

(81, 5.1)

Tough, most superficial layer of the epidermis consisting of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

5-1

stratum granulosum

(81, 5.1)

The second or third deepest layer of the epidermis which consist of keratohyalin and lamellar granules which help to form a waterproof barrier that functions to prevent fluid loss from the body.

5-1

2nd Layer of epidermis found in areas of skin where constant abrasion has created calluses (soles of feet and palms of hands).

5-1

4th deepest layer of the epidermis which consists of somewhat cuboidal keratinocytes referred to as "prickle" cells.  The keratinocytes have sharp pointed edges due to the staining process.  Also, the nuclei are often darkened (pyknosis), which is an early sign of cell death.  Cells in this layer are beginning to die.

5-1

arrector pili (83)

acne vulgaris (84)

Inflammation of the sebaceous glands due to their hyperactivity; leads to the formation of blackheads.

athlete's foot (84)

Skin disease caused by fungal infection; usually of the toes and soles of the feet.

basal cell carcinoma (84)

Form of skin cancer that begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis & rarely metastasizes but has the capacity to invade local tissues.

dandruff (84)

Skin disorder characterized by flaking, itchy scalp; caused by accelerated keratinization of the scalp.

eczema(84)

Form of non-contagious dermatitis that begins with itchy red patches that thicken and crust over; caused by allergies.

Impetigo

Contagious skin disease caused by bacteria in which vesicles erupt and crust over. 

melanoma (85) 

Deadly form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, pigment cells present in the epidermis.

mole(85) 

Raised growth on the skin due to an overgrowth of melanocytes.

psoriasis(85) 

Chronic, inherited skin disease in which red patches are covered with scales; occurs most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk; results in epidermal cell layers building up faster then they are shed.

squamous cell

carcinoma 

 (85) 

A type of skin cancer that begins in the epidermis and is more likely than basal cell carcinoma to spread to other tissues.

urticaria (85)

also known as hives, this is an allergic reaction characterized by the appearance of reddish, elevated patches and often by itching.

ultraviolet radiation

Most common cause of skin cancers.

Redness, swelling, heat & pain.

Two signs of the inflammatory response in the skin.

To prevent further blood loss & keep pathogens from entering the blood.

2 benefits to blood clotting.

White blood cells

&

Fibroblasts

2 Cells that move into the dermis after injury.

1st Degree burn

Skin injury caused by excessive heating of the skin that results in redness, pain,& damage to the epidermis.

2nd Degree burn

Skin injury caused by excessive heating of the skin that results in swelling, blisters, damage to the epidermis and part of the dermis, and often scarring.

3rd Degree burn

Skin injury caused by excessive heating of the skin that results in complete damage to the epidermis & dermis; no pain is felt and the skin has a leathery feel.

Rules of Nine

Used to assess the severity of a burn; related to the total percentage of skin damaged; allows a physician to determine total fluid volume replacement.

Pacinian

Corpuscle

Meissner's Corpuscle

sebaceous gland