Skin Structure & Layer
This is the most superficial layer of the skin.
epidermis
These cells produce keratin and make up about 90% of the epidermis
keratinocytes
This condition is characterized by thickened skin due to chronic rubbing
lichen simplex chronicus
These glands are responsible for thermoregulation through sweat
eccrine glands
This rule helps clinicians identify early signs of melanoma
ABCD (ABCDE) rule
This layer is present only in thick skin such as palms and soles
stratum lucidum
These cells produce melanin and protect against UV radiation
What are melanocytes
common childhood disease caused by a virus is also known as chickenpox
varicella
This oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands helps prevent drying of skin and hair.
sebum
This is the most common invasive skin cancer in humans
basal cell carcinoma
This deepest epidermal layer contains stem cells responsible for regeneration.
stratum basale
These cells function in defense of the body by presenting antigens
What are Langerhans cells
This skin condition presents with a herald patch and a Christmas tree distribution
pityriasis rosea
This structure at the base of the hair follicle is responsible for hair growth
hair matrix
These lesions form due to prolonged pressure and impaired blood flow
decubitus (pressure) ulcer
This process involves cells accumulating keratin, dying, and being pushed to the surface
keratinization
These cells are the least numerous and detect touch
Merkel cells
This chronic condition causes silvery scales due to rapid keratinocyte turnover
psoriasis
These muscles contract to produce goosebumps
arrector pili muscles
This condition occurs when oxygen levels are low, causing bluish skin discoloration
cyanosis
This layer is NOT part of the skin but lies beneath it and is made of adipose tissue
hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)
This mechanoreceptor is responsible for tactile discrimination
Meissner corpuscles
This superficial bacterial infection is the most common and often produces honey-colored crusts
impetigo
This type of gland produces a waxy substance in the ear canal
ceruminous glands
This type of burn involves both the epidermis and dermis and presents with blisters
second-degree burn