ANAT 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Stratum Corneum, Stratum Lucidum, Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Document Summary
Composed of several tissues, one of the largest organs in the body. Consists of two major layers: outer, thinner layer - epidermis. Beneath the dermis - subcutaneous layer (or hypodermis: attaches the skin to underlying tissues and organs. Epidermis has important characteristics: composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, four principal types of cells: Produce keratin (protects skin and underlying tissues from abrasions) Developed from neural crest of developing embryo. Shields nuclear dna from damage by uv light. Melanin granules cluster inside keratinocytes and form a protective veil over the nucleus. Although they protect the keratinocytes, melanocytes are particularly susceptible to damage by uv light. Mount against microbes that invade the skin. Come from bone marrow, they migrate to the epidermis. Tactile epithelial cells and tactile discs (flattened process of a sensory neuron) detect touch sensations: epidermis consists of 4 thin layers, and 5 thick layers. Continuous cell division occurs - produces all the other layers.
