Describe the structure and function of the skin pdf

The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier. Understanding the physiology and function of skin will give useful insights into a patients state of health. Knowledge of the structure and function of the skin and its appendages is paramount to understanding the biology of healthy skin and the pathophysiology of skin diseases. The germinating layer of the epidermis starts growing down into the dermis, and forms the outside of each hair follicle. Anatomy and physiology of the skin 3 or stratum spinosum murphy, 1997. The setae of the gecko foot, which provide the strong attachment of the feet to surfaces, are also composed of bkeratin.

Keratin, fibrous structural protein of hair, nails, horn, hoofs, wool, feathers, and of the epithelial cells in the outermost layers of the skin. Pdf structure and function of skin, hair and nails joey. In humans, it is the bodys largest organ, covering a total area of about 20 square feet. The skin structure can be broadly categorized into the nonviable epidermis called stratum corneum sc, the viable epidermis and dermis. The layers of the skin include the epidermis the outermost layer, the dermis the next layer which is loaded with blood vessels and nerves, and then the hypodermis. Skin functions, structure and relationship with the body. Only two layers of cells thick, the purpose of capillaries is to play the central role in the circulation, delivering oxygen in the blood to the tissues, and picking up. Oct 06, 2019 the skin is a very impressive organ that has many vital functions.

The kidneys are essential for balancing the bodys internal environment. Renewal of the skin barrier through the unique process of exfoliation is described. The hypodermis layer of the skin structure and function. The skin is the largest organ in the body, comprising about 15% of body weight. The structure, functions, and mechanical properties of keratin. Before hair growth can begin, a hair follicle must first be created. Structure and functions of the skin skin structure.

In section 4, we will describe in detail the physioanatomical structure and character of each skin component. Marion richardson describes the functions of the skin and explains why this knowledge helps in the assessment of patients skin and their. In addition, skin color, texture, and folds see descriptions of skin marks, growths, and color changes help mark people as individuals. It protects our internal organs from the environment using a multilayered system of cushioning, a cellular barrier, and protective oils. The epidermis is an elastic layer on the outside that is continually being regenerated. Supra basal spinous cells, for example, are polyhedral in shape and have a rounded nucleus, whereas cells of the upper. The hypodermis is the innermost or deepest and thickest layer of skin. Skin structure, layers and function understanding skin. They originate from cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis called the basal layer. The skin comprises 15% of the total adult body weight.

The skin1 is one of the largest organs in the body in surface area and weight. Diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, urticaria and skin cancer impose a considerable burden on healthcare resources and impact significantly on patients quality of life. Most of the cells in the epidermis are keratinocytes. They are found in high numbers in tissues that are subject to a lot of mechanical forces. The squamous layer is composed of a variety of cells that differ in shape, structure, and subcellular properties depending on their location. This article, the first in a twopart series on the skin, looks at its structure and function. For example, many are found in the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, and the myocardium, which is muscle tissue in the heart. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, and the subcutis is the innermost layer of the skin. Ageing and illness take their toll, while wounds, burns and skin diseases, including cancer, can damage this organ. Structure and function of the skin skin disorders msd. Skin structurefunction relationships and the wound.

It has three main layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. Describe the role of melanocytes in skin pigmentation layers of the skin although you may not typically think of the skin as an organ, it is in fact made of tissues that work together as a single structure to perform unique and critical functions. Decreased temperatures result in the opposite response. Through clinical and basic science research, many structural, compositional, and mechanical changes to the skin have been described as a function of age over the last century. View skin problems such as sun burn, skin cancer and acne. The main function of the skin, its structure and the relationship between the skin, circulatory and nervous system. Describe the layers of the skin and the functions of each layer. Accessory structures of the skin anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of skin, third edition is devoted to all matters pertaining to the structure and function of the skin. Structure and function of the skin wound care education. It is also the largest organ of the human body, providing around 10% of the body mass of. Describe the structure and function of sweat glands and sebaceous glands. This article, the first in a twopart series, looks at the skins structure and key functions. Increased body and skin temperature causes arterial vasodilation in the dermis which increases blood flow and heat dissipation as well as increased sweat gland activity which cools via evaporation.

Basic hair structure hair follicle and hair shaft function. The structural architecture of skin and the important molecules that maintain this structure are also included in this course section. Relate structure and function to the major phys iological roles of. Nov 25, 2019 nurses observe the skin of their patients daily and it is important they understand the skin so they can recognise problems when they arise. Understanding the structure and function of the skin. The skin is an organ that provides the outer protective wrapping for all the body parts.

Each has a slightly different structure that allows to function in a unique way. Structure and function of skin biology for majors ii lumen learning. Describe the structure and function of sweat glands and sebaceous glands accessory structures of the skin include hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Draw a label diagram of the skin and describe its structures and key parts see diagram attached the skin is the largest organ in the human body. The dermis is the thickest part of the skin and contains blood vessels to supply the nutrients needed for skin cells to grow. The epidermis is the relatively thin, tough, outer layer of the skin. These structures embryologically originate from the epidermis and can extend.

Structure and function of skin biology for majors ii. Sweat pores fed by sweat glands open to the cristae cutis arrows. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, connecting the smallest arteries to the smallest veins. The dermis is divided into a papillary region and a reticular region. Anything that interferes with skin function or causes changes in appearance see effects of aging on the skin can have major consequences for physical and mental health. In terms of chemical composition the skin is about 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids. Full text full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version. It keeps the internal environment of our body stable. Healthy skin also maintains the balance of fluids and helps to regular body temperature. These structures embryologically originate from the epidermis and can extend down through the dermis into the hypodermis. The total skin surface of an adult ranges from 1220 square feet. It is also known as the subcutaneous layer or subcutaneous tissue. It is a complex epithelial and mesenchymal tissue comprising a multilayered stratified epidermis, adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands, a dermis containing collagen and elastic fibres, and underlying subcutaneous fat.

Describe the factors that determine skin color and describe the function of melanin. Drawing upon the accumulated data derived from embryology, histology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, this book presents an overview of skin, with emphasis on human skin. In direct contact with the outside environment, the skin helps to maintain four. Skin functions as the bodys first line of defence against bacteria and viruses, and is also a vital sensory organ, sensitive to the softest touch as well as pain. Learn about the skins function and conditions that may affect the skin. The skin structure can be broadly categorized into the nonviable epidermis called stratum. Webmd s skin anatomy page provides a detailed image of the skin and its parts as well as a medical definition. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The function of desmosomes is to adhere cells together. For example, many are found in the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, and the.

Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 116k, or click on a page image below to browse page by page. Accessory structures of the skin include hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Course one describes the structure and function of the skin barrier, including its role in the bodys immune processes. In reptiles and birds, the claws, scales, feathers, and beaks are bkeratin, which is tougher than the aform, and it is con. Skin structurefunction relationships and the wound healing. Skin acts as an enclosure that stops water from entering the body, reduces the loss of water, and protects the body from infection. Human skin, in human anatomy, the covering, or integument, of the bodys surface that both provides protection and receives sensory stimuli from the external environment. A combination of function from eccrine sweat glands and blood vessels in the dermis. Describe the structure and function of hair and nails. Identify the general characteristics and major functions of the skin. Structure and function of the skin msd manual consumer version.

It introduces their basic structural subunits and points out major steps in the biosynthesis and supramolecular processing of fibrillar collagens as prototypical members of this protein. Compare and contrast accessory skin structures and layers of the skin. Skin performs many beneficial functions but it does undergo changes and damage. See how the skin is involved in the regulation of body temperature. To explain the function of spores in terms of chemical and heat resistance to describe characteristics of different types of membrane transport to describe the exact cellular location and serological classification as o antigen of lipopolysaccharide lps to explain how the structure of lps confers antigenic specificity and toxicity to describe.

The categories used to describe skin types have changed little over the last century, whereas the skin care product market has undergone rapid innovation and exponential growth. Structure and function of skin, hair and nails sciencedirect. These vessels are often referred to as the microcirculation. Epidermis as the outermost skin layer that we see and touch, the epidermis performs skins primary function, acting as a barrier to protect us from toxins, bacteria and fluid loss.

It is a waterproof, airtight and flexible barrier between the environment and internal organs. Apr 14, 2017 the function of desmosomes is to adhere cells together. Skin is the soft outer tissue which covers vertebrates. In this taxonomy, we summarize the important physioanatomical components of skin and the optical phenomena they produce. Keratin serves important structural and protective functions, particularly in the epithelium. The dermis contains hair roots, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, nerves, and blood vessels. The primary function of the dermis is to cushion the body from stress and strain, and to also provide. The skin consists of three main layers epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue.