2. Introduction
The skin also known as cutaneous membrane or integument,
covers the external surface of the body and protects the interior of
the body.
It is a sensory organ which is an largest organ of the body in both
surface area and weight.
In adults skin covers an area about 2 sq.mts (22 sq.ft), weighs
about 4.5 to 5 kgs and 16% of the body weight.
3. Three Layers of skin
Epidermis:
Stratified squamous epithelium; outer layer is "keratinized“ or
"cornified“
Dermis:
Dense irregular connective tissue
Hypodermis:
Adipose connective tissue (technically not part of system
5. Layers of the Epidermis
From deepest to most superficial the layers of the
epidermis are
1. Stratum basale (stratum germinativum)
2. Stratum spinosum
3. Stratum granulosum
4. Stratum lucidum (only in palms and soles)
5. Stratum corneum
6. Four Principle Cells of the Epidermis
1. Keratinocytes
– produce the protein keratin, which helps protect the skin and
underlying tissue from heat, microbes, and chemicals, and lamellar
granules, which release a waterproof sealant
2. Melanocytes
– produce the pigment melanin which contributes to skin color and
absorbs damaging ultraviolet (UV) light
7. 3. Langerhans cells
– derived from bone marrow
– participate in immune response
4. Merkel cells
– contact a sensory structure called a tactile (Merkel) disc and
function in the sensation of touch
8. Dermis
Connective tissue layer composed of collagen & elastic fibers,
fibroblasts, macrophages & fat cells
• Contains hair follicles, glands, nerves & blood vessels
• Two major regions of dermis
– papillary region
– reticular region
9. Dermis - Papillary Region
Top 20% of dermis.
Finger like projections are called dermal papillae anchors
epidermis to dermis.
contains capillaries that feed epidermis.
contains Meissner’s corpuscles in the dermis near dermo-
epidermo junction. Detection of sensations of touch, shape and
texture.
Free nerve endings for sensations of heat, cold, pain, tickle, and
itch.
10. Dermis - Reticular Region
Dense irregular connective tissue.
Contains interlacing collagen and elastic fibers.
Packed with sebaceous glands, sweat gland ducts, fat & hair follicles.
Provides strength, extensibility & elasticity to skin.
stretch marks are dermal tears from extreme stretching.
Epidermal ridges form in fetus.
fingerprints are left by sweat glands open on ridges increase grip of
hand
11. Glands of the Skin
Specialized exocrine glands found in dermis are
Sebaceous (oil) glands
Sudoriferous (sweat) gland
Ceruminous (wax) glands
Mammary (milk) glands
12. Sebaceous (oil) glands
Sebaceous (oil) glands are usually connected to hair follicles; they are absent
in the palms and soles
Produce sebum
– contains cholesterol, proteins, fats & salts
– moistens hairs
– waterproofs and softens the skin
– inhibits growth of bacteria & fungi (ringworm)
Acne
– bacterial inflammation of glands
– secretions are stimulated by hormones at puberty
13. Sudoriferous (sweat) glands
• Eccrine sweat glands (most areas of skin)
– regulate body temperature through evaporation (perspiration)
– help eliminate wastes such as urea.
• Apocrine sweat glands– secretions are more viscous
14. Ceruminous Glands
• Ceruminous glands
– produce a waxy substance called cerumen.
– found in the external auditory meatus
– barrier for entrance of foreign bodies
15. FUNCTIONS OF SKIN
Protection
Thermoregulation
Sensation
Vitamin D synthesis
Excretion & Absorption
Psychological and social functions
Blood reservoir
16. Protection
Physical, chemical and biological barriers
Tight cell junctions prevent bacterial invasion
Lipids released retard evaporation
Pigment protects somewhat against UV light
Langerhans cells alert immune system
17. Thermoregulation
Perspiration & its evaporation
– lowers body temperature
– flow of blood in the dermis is adjusted
Exercise
– in moderate exercise, more blood brought to surface helps lower
temperature
– with extreme exercise, blood is shunted to muscles and body
temperature rises
Shivering and constriction of surface vessels
– raise internal body temperature as needed
19. Synthesis of Vitamin D
Activation of a precursor molecule in the skin by UV light
Enzymes in the liver and kidneys modify the activated molecule to
produce calcitriol, the most active form of vitamin D.
Necessary vitamin for absorption of calcium from food in the
gastrointestinal tract
20. Excretion & Absorption
Excretion
400 ml of water/day,
Small amounts Nacl,
CO2,
Ammonia and Urea
Absorption
Water soluble – Negligible
Lipid solubleVitamins -A, D,
E, K
Organic solvents
Heavy metals
Topical medicines