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Skin Histology
Structure of the skin page 12
The epidermis
Structure
Functions
STRATUM
HYDRO-LIPIDIC CORNEUM
MANTLE
EPIDERMIS
MIDDLE LAYER
Dermal/epidermal
Junction
Basal Layer
DERMIS
EXTRA-CELLULAR
MATRIX
Collagen
Elastin Microcirculation
Fibroblast
The total epidermal cell turnover time is around 29 days, taking into
account the 10 days each cell spends in migration.
Keratinisation
The process of change in which a keratinocyte cell becomes a barrier
cell on the stratum corneum (outer layer). During this process, the
cytoplasm of the cell is completely replaced with keratin, a form of
protein that helps keep the skin hydrated by preventing water
evaporation (the Natural Moisturising Factor). These cells can also
absorb water.
Desquamation
The continuous shedding of epithelial cells. It is both a protective and
self-cleansing mechanism. In normal skin, the rate of loss equals the
rate of production.
Chemical Protection
Acid Mantle
The acid mantle is a very fine film made up of a combination of sweat
and sebum on the surface of the skin which acts as a fungal and
bacterial deterrent. The moderate acidity of the skin helps to neutralise
the chemical affects of contaminants.
Melanin
The production of melanin takes place in the stratum
germinativum/stratum basale. Melanin determines skin colour. It is
produced in the melanocytes and later transferred to the keratinocytes.
Melanin production is stimulated by exposure to UVB radiation..
Dendrite
Keratinocyte
Basal layer
Melanocyte
Melanosomes
dermis
Fibroblast
hypodermis
Collagen
Collagen maintains the tone and structure of skin because the
molecules are rigid and resistant to stretching. It is made up of three
polypeptide chains wrapped around one another as a triple helix.
Collagen is formed in fibroblasts within the dermis.
Elastin
Elastin is what gives skin its resilience, keeping it toned, tight and
springy. Like collagen it is produced by fibroblasts and forms a
network of elastic tissue. The breakdown of elastin is what causes
the skin to sag.
Appendages
Appendages including sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair follicles,
are all located in the dermis and open into the stratum corneum, (directly or
indirectly).
Pilosebaceous unit
This is made up of a hair follicle with the sebaceous gland attached.
• Hair follicle – a column of epidermal cells, extending into the dermis.
• Sebaceous glands – microscopic glands in the skin that secrete sebum
made up of oil, fatty acid and protein, which lubricates the skin. Found
in greatest abundance on the face and scalp, though they are
distributed throughout all skin sites except the palms and soles.
Sebaceous secretion starts during puberty and reduces with age,
meaning skin may be more oily among teenagers.