C3 Skin structure and growth

Dermatology

Medical branch of science that deals with the study if the skin and its nature, structure, functions, diseases, and treatments

Skin Specifics

The skin is the largest and most important organ of the body. Weighs 6-9 pounds. Healthy skin is slightly moist, soft and flexible, and has a surface that is slightly acidic

Epidermis

Outermost layer of the skin, made up of five layers

Stratum Corneum

Layer of the skin that is treated by cosmetologists

Keratin

Fibrous protein, principal component of hair and nails

Stratum Lucidum

Clear, transparent layer under the stratum corneum, This layer is thicker on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Forms unique fingerprints and footprints

Stratum Spinosum

The process of skin cells shedding begins

Stratum Germinativum

Also known as the basal cell layer, the deepest layer of the epidermis. Contains special cells called melanocytes that produce the dark skin pigment called melanin

Dermis

The underlying or inner layer of skin. About 25 times thicker than the epidermis

Arrector Pili Muscle

goosebumps

Papillary Layer

Outer layer of the dermis. The dermis houses the nerve endings that provide the body with the sense of touch, pain, heat, cold, and pressure.

Dermal Papillae

Contains small cone-shaped elevation at the bottom of the hair follicles.

Epidermal Dermal Junction

Top of papillary layer where it joins the epidermis

Reticular Layer

The deeper layer of the dermis that supplies skin with all of its oxygen and nutrients.

Subcutaneous Tissue

Fatty layer below the dermis. also called adipose or subcutis tissue. Gives smoothness and contour to the body, contains fat for energy, and acts as a protective cushion for the outer skin

Motor Muscle

Carry impulses from brain to muscle: stimulates muscle

Sensory Nerve Fibers

react to heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain. Sends messages to brain

Melanin

Tiny grains of pigment that are deposited into cells in the stratum germinativum layer help protect sensitive cells from UV rays

Pheomelanin

Red to yellow in color, light colored skin

Eumelanin

Dark brown to black skin

Collagen and Elastin

Strength and flexibility of the skin

Collagen

If fibers become weakened, skin can lose tone and suppleness, wrinkle, and sag. Loses strength due to exposure to UV light

Elastin

Gives skin flexibility and elasticity

Sudoriferous Gland

Sweat glands. Excretes sweat to regulate body temp and eliminates waste products

Sebaceous Gland

Oil glands secrete oil to lubricate skin

Vitamin A

Improves elasticity and thickness

Vitamin C

Promotes collagen in dermal tissues

Vitamin D

Enables the body to absorb and use calcium

Water

Makes up 50-70% of body weight and is necessary for virtually every function of the cells and body