1.
Stratum Corneum (Horny Layer):
a. Outermost layer.
b. 20-30 layers of dead, scalelike keratinocytes.
c. Constantly exfoliated and replaced.
2. Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer):
a. Present only in thick skin (like palms and soles).
b. Thin, transparent band of dead keratinocytes.
3. Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer):
a. Thin layer with granules.
b. Contains waterproofing glycolipids and keratohyaline granules.
c. Cells start to die here.
4. Stratum Spinosum (Spiny Layer):
a. Several layers of cells with pre-keratin filaments.
b. Cells appear spiky due to shrinkage during tissue preparation.
c. Receives nutrients from the dermis.
5. Stratum Basale (Basal Layer):
a. Single row of cells above the dermis.
b. Constantly undergoing mitosis to form new cells.
c. Contains melanocytes and tactile epithelial cells.
Keratinocytes
• Most abundant cells in the epidermis.
• Main job: Produce keratin, which gives the epidermis its durability and protective
capabilities.
• Cool feature: Connected by desmosomes.
Layers of the Epidermis
1. Stratum Corneum (Top Layer)
a. 20-30 layers of dead keratinocytes.
b. Provides a tough, protective barrier.
2. Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)
a. Present only in thick skin (e.g., palms, soles).
b. Thin, transparent layer.
3. Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer)
a. 1 to 5 layers of cells.
b. Contains keratohyalin granules, which help form a waterproof barrier.
4. Stratum Spinosum (Spiny Layer)
a. Several layers of cells with desmosomes, giving a spiny appearance.
b. Contains Langerhans cells (immune function) and tactile epithelial cells.
5. Stratum Basale (Basal Layer)
a. Deepest layer, responsible for producing new keratinocytes.
b. Contains melanocytes (protect against UV) and Merkel cells (touch receptors).
Additional Cells
• Dendritic Cells (Langerhans Cells): Immune cells that help protect against pathogens.
• Tactile Epithelial Cells (Merkel Cells): Touch receptors.
Skin Functions
• Vitamin D Synthesis: Skin helps synthesize vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium
absorption.
Mnemonic for Epidermis Layers
Come, Let’s Get Sun Burned
• Corneum
• Lucidum
• Granulosum
• Spinosum
• Basale
1. Dermis
• Layers:
o Papillary Layer: This is the upper layer of the dermis, composed of loose connective
tissue. It contains finger-like projections called dermal papillae, which increase the
surface area for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the
dermis and epidermis.
o Reticular Layer: This deeper layer is made of dense irregular connective tissue. It
contains collagen and elastin fibers that provide strength and elasticity to the skin.
• Functions:
o Nutrient Supply: The dermis supplies nutrients to the epidermis through blood
vessels.
o Temperature Regulation: Blood vessels in the dermis help regulate body
temperature by dilating or constricting.
o Sensory Reception: The dermis contains various sensory receptors that detect
touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.
2. Skin Color
• Factors:
o Melanin: Produced by melanocytes in the epidermis, melanin gives skin its color and
protects against UV radiation.
o Carotene: A yellow-orange pigment found in the stratum corneum and adipose
tissue, contributing to skin color.
o Oxygenation: The level of oxygen in the blood affects skin color. Well-oxygenated
blood gives a pinkish hue, while poorly oxygenated blood can cause a bluish tint
(cyanosis).
• Diagnostic Tool:
o Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating liver problems.
o Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.
o Anemia: Pale skin, often a sign of low red blood cell count.
3. Accessory Organs of the Skin
• Components:
o Cutaneous Glands: Includes sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine) and sebaceous
(oil) glands. Sweat glands help in thermoregulation, while sebaceous glands
lubricate the skin and hair.
o Hair: Provides protection, regulates body temperature, and facilitates the sensation
of touch.
o Nails: Protect the tips of fingers and toes, and assist in picking up small objects.
• Functions:
o Protection: Hair and nails protect against physical damage.
o Sensation: Hair follicles have nerve endings that detect light touch.
o Temperature Regulation: Sweat glands help cool the body.
4. Nails
• Parts:
o Nail Plate: The hard, visible part of the nail.
o Free Edge: The part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip.
o Nail Root: The part of the nail embedded in the skin.
o Nail Folds: Skin folds that overlap the edges of the nail.
o Eponychium (Cuticle): The thickened layer of skin at the base of the nail.
• Functions:
o Protection: Nails protect the distal phalanx and the fingertip.
o Enhancing Sensation: The presence of nails enhances the sensitivity of the fingertip
by providing a counterforce when the pulp of the finger touches an object.
1. Functions of the Integumentary System
The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands, plays a crucial role in
maintaining homeostasis. It helps regulate body temperature, protects against environmental
hazards, and provides sensory information1.
2. Common Homeostatic Imbalances
• Burns: Damage to the skin caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can
disrupt the skin’s ability to regulate temperature and protect against infection.
• Skin Cancer: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It can result from prolonged
exposure to UV radiation, which disrupts the normal cell cycle.
• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can compromise the skin’s barrier function,
leading to inflammation and other systemic effects.
• Eczema and Psoriasis: Chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the skin’s appearance
and function, often linked to immune system dysregulation.
3. Diagnostic Indicators
• Color Changes: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) indicates liver issues, cyanosis (bluish tint)
suggests poor oxygenation, and erythema (redness) can indicate inflammation or infection.
• Temperature Regulation: Conditions like hyperthermia (overheating) or hypothermia
(excessive cooling) can result from the skin’s inability to properly regulate body temperature.
4. Treatment and Management
• Burn Care: Immediate cooling, pain management, and prevention of infection are critical.
• Cancer Treatment: Options include surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
• Infection Control: Antimicrobial treatments and proper wound care are essential.
• Chronic Conditions: Management often involves topical treatments, systemic medications,
and lifestyle modifications to reduce flare-ups
The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands,
plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Homeostatic imbalances in this system
can lead to various conditions. Here are a few examples:
1. **Skin Disorders**: Conditions like psoriasis or eczema disrupt the skin's barrier
function, leading to increased permeability and susceptibility to infections.
2. **Temperature Regulation**: Dysfunction in sweat glands can impair thermoregulation,
causing overheating (hyperthermia) or excessive cooling (hypothermia).
3. **Fluid Balance**: Severe skin damage (e.g., burns) can result in significant fluid loss,
leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
4. **Infections**: Compromised skin integrity can allow pathogens to enter the body,
resulting in infections like cellulitis.
5. **Vitamin D Synthesis**: Skin plays a role in synthesizing vitamin D. An imbalance can
lead to deficiencies affecting bone health and immune function.
Addressing these imbalances often requires a multifaceted approach, including medical
treatment, lifestyle changes, and skin care routines.
