Skin Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

The papillary dermis differs from the reticular dermis in that it contains:

Answer: Loose connective tissue and capillary loops

The papillary dermis is composed of loose connective tissue with capillary loops that nourish the avascular epidermis.

Which cells in the skin are responsible for synthesizing and secreting melanin?

Answer: Melanocytes

Melanocytes are neural crest-derived cells located in the stratum basale that synthesize melanin in organelles called melanosomes.

What is the primary function of the skin's stratum corneum?

Answer: Barrier against water loss and pathogens

The stratum corneum consists of dead, flattened corneocytes embedded in lipid lamellae that form the primary barrier against transepidermal water loss and external pathogens.

Eccrine sweat glands open directly onto the skin surface and primarily serve to:

Answer: Regulate body temperature through evaporative cooling

Eccrine glands secrete hypotonic sweat onto the skin surface where its evaporation dissipates heat and regulates core body temperature.

The dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) is composed primarily of which structural component?

Answer: Basement membrane with Type IV collagen and laminin

The DEJ (basement membrane zone) is composed of Type IV collagen, laminin, and other glycoproteins that anchor the epidermis to the dermis.

Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for thermoregulation and energy storage due to its adipose tissue content?

Answer: Hypodermis

The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) contains adipocytes that store energy and insulate the body, contributing significantly to thermoregulation.

Pacinian corpuscles are mechanoreceptors that detect:

Answer: Deep pressure and vibration

Pacinian corpuscles are encapsulated nerve endings in the deep dermis and subcutis that respond to deep pressure and high-frequency vibration.