HS 2211 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Discussion Forum Unit 3 Skin Structure Using your textbook as a resource, list the layers of the skin and identify the characteristic structure of each layer. Describe a clinical condition related to each layer and consider the impact on the individual's quality of life. Your Discussion must be at least 250 words in length, detailing your thoughts and position using 2 references from the readings for support. Also be sure to pose 1-2 well thought out questions from which your colleagues can formulate a response or generate further discussion. Be sure to cite any references using APA format.
The skin is an extensive organ made of multiple layers held together by connective tissue. Each layer of skin has differing characteristics and anatomical features. In this discussion assignment, we will be discussing the layers of the skin and the associated clinical conditions of each layer. Epidermis The epidermis is the uppermost layer of the skin and comprises multiple layers of cells called the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum (OpenStax, 2018). Keratinocytes are the cells that exist in the layers of the stratum spinosum, granulosum, and corneum (OpenStax, 2018). Their function is to create and store keratin, which is a fibrous protein that is responsible for the hardness of structures such as hair and nails (OpenStax, 2018). The stratum basale, being the deepest layer of the epidermis, is bound to the dermis by the basement membrane and the dermal papilla which strengthens the connection between the epidermis and the dermis (OpenStax, 2018). The layer also has a basal cell (which develops into a keratinocyte), a Merkel cell (which is a receptor for stimulating nerve cells), and a melanocyte that produces melanin (OpenStax, 2018). The stratum spinosum approximately has 8 to 10 cell layers (Yousef et al., 2022). Here, the keratinocytes begin keratin synthesis and release a hydrophobic glycolipid to prevent water loss (OpenStax, 2018). The stratum granulosum consists of 3-5 five cell layers and has a grainy appearance due to the keratinocyte mass consisting of
proteins like keratohyalin and keratin (Yousef et al., 2022). The stratum lucidum is 2 to 3 layers thick and is essentially a transparent smooth layer of cells that are packed together by eleidin (Yousef et al., 2022). Finally, the uppermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum has 20 to 30 layers of cells and is made up of keratin and dead keratinocytes (Yousef et al., 2022). A disease associated with the epidermis of the skin is epidermolysis bullosa (American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.). This is an inherited skin disorder that causes brittle and fragile skin. Individuals with this disorder have skin that easily blisters and excessive thickening of skin and nails (American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.). Depending on the severity, it can lead to a lifelong disability which can lower the quality of life of the patient because normal friction from clothing or even bowel movement can cause painful blisters (American Academy of