Skin Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

What are the three main layers of the skin listed from outermost to innermost?

Answer: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis

The skin consists of three layers: the epidermis (outermost), the dermis (middle), and the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer (innermost).

The deepest, most active layer of the epidermis responsible for cell renewal is called the:

Answer: Stratum basale

The stratum basale (basal layer) is the deepest epidermal layer containing stem cells that continuously divide to replenish the epidermis.

Which cells in the epidermis are responsible for producing the pigment melanin?

Answer: Melanocytes

Melanocytes are specialized cells located in the stratum basale that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color.

In which skin layer are the hair follicle bulbs primarily located?

Answer: Dermis

Hair follicle bulbs are located in the dermis (and may extend into the hypodermis for terminal hairs), making the dermis the target layer for electrolysis.

What is the outermost sublayer of the epidermis composed of?

Answer: Dead, flattened, keratinized cells

The stratum corneum consists of dead, flattened, fully keratinized cells (corneocytes) that form the skin's primary barrier against the environment.

The dermis is primarily composed of which structural protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility?

Answer: Collagen and elastin

The dermis is primarily composed of collagen (providing tensile strength) and elastin (providing elasticity), both produced by fibroblasts.

Which skin appendage is directly targeted and destroyed during electrolysis treatment?

Answer: Hair follicle

Electrolysis targets the hair follicle — specifically the dermal papilla and germinal matrix — to permanently destroy the structure that produces hair.