Week 5: Layers of the skin

Keratinocytes

The primary cells found in the epidermis, making up 90% of epidermal cells and producing keratin.

Melanocytes

Spider-shaped epithelial cells found in the stratum basale that produce melanin pigment, giving color to skin, hair, and eyes.

Keratinocytes

The primary cells found in the epidermis, making up 90% of epidermal cells and producing keratin.

Melanocytes

Spider-shaped epithelial cells found in the stratum basale that produce melanin pigment, giving color to skin, hair, and eyes.

Langerhans cells

Resident macrophages of the skin that mount an immune response to microbes and are easily damaged by UV light.

Merkel cells

Receptors for touch that are connected to a dermal nerve fiber, found in the stratum basale.

Collagen

A protein in the dermis that contributes to its tensile strength by preventing stretching and pulling.

Elastic fibers

Fibers in the dermis that allow for stretching and provide elasticity.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis, primarily containing areolar tissue and fat, providing insulation and energy storage.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the body maintains its internal temperature through mechanisms like sweat evaporation and blood vessel dilation or constriction.

Mechanoreceptors

Somatosensory receptors that respond to mechanical stimuli such as touch, pressure, and vibration.

Eccrine sweat glands

Sweat glands distributed all over the body that primarily cool the body and excrete water and electrolytes.

Apocrine sweat glands

Scent glands associated with hair follicles that respond to stress and sexual stimulation, producing a thicker sweat.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce sebum, an oily substance that keeps skin from drying out.

Ceruminous glands

Glands found in the ear canal that secrete earwax, helping to keep the ear canal soft and waterproof.

Nail matrix

Cells from the stratum basale undergoing mitosis beneath the nail root, responsible for nail growth.

Lunule

A thickening of the matrix that appears as a white crescent at the proximal end of the nail.

Integumentary system

The system composed of skin and its accessory structures, including hair, nails, and glands.