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Chapter 1: Structure and Functions of the Skin

Kimberly Bohjanen

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER

The skin is the site of many complex and dynamic processes as demonstrated in Figure 1-1 and Table 1-1. These processes include barrier and immunologic functions, melanin production, vitamin D synthesis, sensation, temperature regulation, protection from trauma and aesthetics.

Figure 1-1.

Cross-section of skin.

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Table 1-1.Structure and function of the skin.
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Table 1-1. Structure and function of the skin.
Component Structure and Function
Stratum corneum Semipermeable barrier with "bricks" (stacked cornified cells) and "mortar" (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) like construction
Stratum granulosum Contains keratohyalin granules that produce profilaggrin
Stratum spinosum Contains desmosomes for intercellular adhesion
Langerhans cells Dendritic cells, important in the modulation of the adaptive immune response
Merkel cells Specialized cells with neuroendocrine function
Melanocytes Dendritic cells that produce melanin for ultraviolet light protection
Basal cell layer Contains the stem cells that divide and produce the rest of the keratinocytes in the epidermis
Basement membrane Interface between the epidermis and dermis
Ground substance Amorphous gel of mucopolysaccharides that is the substrate for the dermis
Collagen Network of fibrous proteins for skin tensile strength
Elastic fibers Fibrous proteins responsible for skin elasticity
Fibroblasts Cells that produce ground substance, collagen, and elastic fibers
Mast cells Leukocytes that release histamine and heparin
Histiocytes/macrophages Leukocytes that phagocytize and present antigen
Eccrine glands Sweat glands that help with temperature regulation
Apocrine glands Axillary and anogenital glands responsible for body odor
Sebaceous glands Component of pilosebaceous unit that produces sebum
Hair follicle Component of pilosebaceous unit that produces the hair fiber
Somatic sensory and sympathetic autonomic nerves Supply blood vessels, glands, and hair follicles
Meissner corpuscles Specialized nerve receptors for light touch
Pacinian corpuscles Specialized nerve receptors for pressure and vibration
Blood vessels Two horizontal plexies in the dermis that are connected and can shunt blood flow
Lymphatics Parallel to blood vessels with 2 plexuses for flow of plasma
Fat Provides protection from cold and trauma; Essential for storage of energy and metabolism of sex hormones and glucocorticoids

BARRIER FUNCTION

The epidermal barrier protects the skin from microbes, chemicals, physical trauma, and desiccation due to transepidermal water loss.1–3 This barrier is created by differentiation of keratinocytes as they move from the basal cell layer to the stratum corneum. The keratinocytes of the epidermis are produced and renewed by stem cells in the basal layer resulting in replacement of the epidermis approximately every 28 days. It takes 14 days for these cells to reach the stratum corneum and another 14 days for the cells to desquamate.

Keratinocytes produce keratins, structural proteins that form filaments that are part of the keratinocyte cytoskeleton. In the stratum spinosum keratin filaments radiate outwards from the nucleus and connect with desmosomes which are prominent under the microscope giving ...

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