Cells of the Epidermis
Keratinocytes
- Makes keratin
Keratin
-Gives skin its strength and flexibility
Langerhans Cells
- Phagocytose foreign particle, and initiates an immune response if necessary
Merkel Cells
-Touch receptors
Melanocytes
- Protects us from UV rays
Epidermal Layers
Stratum Basale
Stratum Spinosum
- Langerhans cells found in this layer
Stratum Granulosum
-Keratinization occurs here
Keratinization
-Granules containing keratin begin to form
Stratum Lucidum
- Thin clear layer of dead keratinocytes between the stratum corneum and the stratum granulosum
Stratum Corneum
Layers of the Dermis
- Reticular Layer
Papillary Layer
Reticular Layer
- Dense irregular
Cleavage Lines
-Natural separations in the dermis caused by bundling collagen fibers i the reticular layer
What determines our skin color?
- Melanin
Melanocytes
-Make melanin
Melanin
Albino
-Lack the enzyme responsible for melanin production
Why is UV radiation bad?
Other skin pigments
- Hemoglobin
Carotene
- Yellowish pigment