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 a barrier or covering that covers the body and protects the internal organs. It is considered the largest organ "The body's largest organ system is the integumentary system, which includes the skin and its associated structures, such as hair and nails " (OpenStax, 2018, p. 14). The skin consists of two main layers, the epidermis, and the dermis, in addition to a layer under the dermis called the hypodermis. epidermis does not contain blood vessels. It can be determined whether the skin is thin or thick by the number of layers. The thin skin consists of four layers, which are from the depth to the surface: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and the stratum corneum. As for the thick skin, there is a fifth layer called stratum lucidum, and it is found only in the palm or the soles of the feet. Cells in all layers except the basal layer are keratinocytes (OpenStax, 2018). Stratum Basale It is the innermost layer of the epidermis and is called the stratum germinativum, connecting the epidermis to the basal lamina. The cells of this layer are connected to the dermis by interwoven collagen fibers and are referred to as the basement membrane. In this layer are finger-like projections called
the dermal papilla, which helps to strengthen the connection between the epidermis and dermis. The cells of this layer are cuboidal stem cells and are precursors to the keratinocytes of the epidermis (OpenStax, 2018). Stratum spinosum It is so named because of its spiny appearance. It consists of 8-10 layers of keratinocytes. Its formation was the result of a division of the basal layer. There are cells called Langerhans cells, which are dendritic cells, that act as macrophages by engulfing foreign particles, bacteria, and damaged cells that occur in the layer (OpenStax, 2018). In this layer, keratinocytes begin to form keratin and release the repellent glycolipid, which helps prevent water loss from the body and helps the skin to Relative water resistance (OpenStax, 2018). When new keratinocytes are produced above the stratum basale, keratinocytes from this layer are pushed into the stratum granulosum (OpenStax, 2018). Stratum granulosum