Epidermis and Tissue Repair

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the layers of the epidermis, types of skin cancer, and tissue repair mechanisms.

Epidermis

The top layer of skin, consisting of multiple layers including the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale.

Stratum corneum

The most superficial layer of the epidermis, containing 20-30 layers of dead keratinized cells.

Stratum lucidum

A thin layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin, such as the palms and soles.

Stratum granulosum

A layer of the epidermis with flattened cells, where keratinization begins and lipids are released.

Stratum spinosum

A layer of the epidermis that provides strength and flexibility, containing spiky keratinocytes connected by desmosomes.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis, containing actively mitotic stem cells and melanocytes.

Basal cell carcinoma

A common type of skin cancer that arises from stratum basale cells.

Squamous cell carcinoma

A type of skin cancer that originates from keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum.

Melanoma

A serious form of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes.

Tissue repair

The process by which the body responds to injury, which can involve regeneration or fibrosis.

Regeneration

The process where the same tissue type replaces destroyed tissue, restoring original function.

Fibrosis

The process where connective tissue replaces destroyed tissue, resulting in loss of original function.

Epithelial membranes

Membranes made of epithelium bound to an underlying connective tissue proper layer, including cutaneous, mucous, and serous membranes.