ANP 1106 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Stratum Corneum, Stratum Basale, Intermediate Filament

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Anatomy and Physiology
• Course: ANP 1106
• Professor: Jacqueline Carnegie

Document Summary

Main purpose of this cell is to produce keratin, a fibrous protein that gives the skin protective properties. The keratinocytes are connected by desmosomes in stratum basale. Keratin formation/production is accelerated in areas where there is lots of friction. Melanin is accumulated in the membrane bound granules called melanosomes. Melanin is located on the superficial of the keratinocyte nucleus, protecting the nucleus from uv radiation from sun. Originates from bone marrow and moves to the epidermis. (langerhans cells) Most deepest layer of the skin, continually renewing layer. Several layers thick and contain intermediate filaments, keratinocytes in this layer have spines making them prickle cells. Thin and consists of 1-5 layers where keratinocytes appearance changes due to keratinization (cells fill with keratin) These cells flatten and nuclei disintegrates and obtains 2 granules. Seen only in thick skin, 1-3 layers of dead keratinocytes. Abrupt transition between nucleated cells and anucleate cells. This layer protects the skin against abraisons and penetrations.