Anatomy of the skin

Epidermis It contains of keratinocytes, melanocytes, Markels cells and Langerhans cells. Keratinocytes Produce keratin, the fibrous protein that helps give the epidermis its protective properties. Tightly connected with each other by desmosomes. Keratinocytes arise in the deepest part of the epidermis from the stratum basale that undergo almost continuous mitosis. As these cells are pushed upward by the production of new cells beneath them, they make the keratin. When the keratinocytes reach the surface of skin, the are dead, scalelike structures. At area of body that subjected to friction (hands n feet), both cell production and keratine formation are accelerated.

Melanocytes Spider-shaped epithelial cells that synthesize the pigment melanin.

Found in the deepest layer of epidermis. As melanin is made, it is accumulated in membrane-bound granules called melanosomes. Melanosomes are moved along actin filaments by motor proteins to the ends of the melanocytes processes from where they are taken up by nearby keratinocytes. Melanin granules accumulate on the superficial which forming a pigment shield that protects the nucleus from the damaging effects of UV radiation in sunlight.

Langerhans cells Star-shaped found in stratum spinosum. Arise from bone marrow and migrate to the epidermis. Also called epidermal dendritic cells, they are phagocytes that ingest foreign substances and help to activate our immune system.

Markel cells Present at epidermal-dermal junction. Shaped like a spiky hemisphere. Each Markel cell is intimately associated with a disclike sensory nerve ending. The combination, called a Markel disc that function as a sensory receptor for touch.

Dermis Area underneath the epidermis. Composed mainly of collagen but also contains elastic and reticular fibers. Contain: blood vessels nerves fibers lymph vessels hair follicles sweat glands fibroblasts

Hypodermis The boundary between the dermis and hypodermis is indistinct but the hypodermis generally has more areolar tissue and adipose tissue. When adipose tissue dominates, it will called the subcutaneous fat layer. The hypodermis binds the skin to the underlying tissues, pads the body, serves as an energy reservoir, and provides thermal insulation.

Histology Epidermis

The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin and provides the first barrier of protection from the invasion of foreign substances into the body. The principal cell of the epidermis is called a keratinocyte. The epidermis is subdivided into five layers or strata, the stratum germinativum, the stratum spinosum, the stratum granulosum, the stratum lucidum(not seen in this photomicrograph) and the stratum corneum in which a keratinocyte gradually migates to the surface and is sloughed off in a process called desquamation.

Dermis The dermis assumes the important functions of thermoregulation and supports the vasular network to supply the avascular epidermis with nutrients. The dermis is typically subdivided into two zones, a papillary dermis and areticular layer. The dermis contains mostly fibroblasts which are responsible for secreting collagen, elastin and ground substance that give the support and elasticity of the skin. Also present are immune cells that are involved in defense against foreign invaders passing through the epidermis. The papillary dermis contains vascular networks that have two important functions. The first being to support the avascular epidermis with vital nutrients and secondly to provide a network for

thermoregulation. The vasculature is organized so that by increasing or decreasing blood flow, heat can either be conserved or dissipated. The vasculature interdigitates in areas called dermal papillae. The papillary dermis also contains the free sensory nerve endings and structures called Meissners corpuscles in highly sensitive areas. The reticular layer of the dermis consists of dense irregular connective tissue, which differs from the papillary layer, which is made up of mainly loose connective tissue (note the difference in the number of cells). The reticular layer of the dermis is important in giving the skin it overall strength and elasticity, as well as housing other important epithelial derived structures such as glands and hair follicles.