Briefly describe the functions of each labeled section of the skin model found i

Question

Briefly describe the functions of each labeled section of the skin model found in your text.

e skin nas two distinct regions-tne superricla epidermis composed of epithelium and an under- lying connective tissue, the dermis (Figure 7.1 ). These layers are firmly "cemented" to- gether along a wavy border. But friction, such as the rubbing of a poorly fitting shoe, may cause them to separate, resulting in a blister. Immedi- ately deep to the dermis is the hypodermis, or superficial fascia, which is not considered part of the skin. It consists primarily of adipose tissue. The main skin areas and structures are described below Hair shat Dermal papillae Epidermis Papillary layer plexus Sweat pore DermisReticular Appendages of skin layer Eccrine sweat gand Arrector p muscle Sebaccous (oil) gland Hair tolicle Hair root not part ot skin) Nervous structures Sensory nerve fiber free nerve endings Tactile corpusdle Lamelar corpuscle Hair tolicle receptor (root hair plexus) Cutaneous plenus Adipose tissue Figure 7.1 Skin structure.

Explanation / Answer

Epidermis: A thin outermost layer, that is the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of skin. The epidermis is vital for the defensive capacity of the skin. Dermal papillae are formed by the basal layers of the skin. It is avascular(no blood supply).

Dermis: The dermis is a thicker inner layer of the skin. This is the connective tissue layer of the skin. It is imperative for sensation, protection, and thermoregulation. It contains nerves, the blood supply, fibroblasts, and so on, and in addition sweat organs, which open out onto the surface of the skin, and in a few places, hair. Dermal papillae are formed by the apical layer of the dermis and are especially conspicuous in thick skin.

Hypodermis: This layer lies under the dermis and fuses with it. It chiefly contains fat tissue and sweat glands. The fat tissue has metabolic capacities: it is responsible for the generation of vitamin D, and triglycerides.

Dermal papillae: Dermis stretches up into the epidermis in structures called dermal papillae. dermal papillae perform 2 functions:

1. Bonding dermal and epidermal layer

2. It nourishes the epidermal layers as it lacks blood supply.

Subpapillary plexus: The superficial subpapillary plexus lies just underneath the dermal papillae, and supplies the blood vessels in the dermal papillae. The pink shade of skin is basically because of the blood found in venules of this plexus.

Cutaneous plexus: The cutaneous plexus lies at the dermal/hypodermal intersection. The adipose(fatty) tissue of the hypodermis is supplied by this plexus including the deeper parts of the dermis, the vessels for hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands.

Nervous structures:

1. free nerve endings: Cutaneous nociceptors(pain receptors)

2. Tactile corpuscle: Also known as Meissner's corpuscles are sensitive to light touch.

3. Lamellar corpuscles: Also known as Pacinian corpuscles are sensitive to pressure and vibration sense.

4. Root hair plexus: It is sensitive to touch.

Appendages of the skin:

1. Eccrine sweat glands produce sweat.

2. Arrector pili muscle: It generates heat when the body is cold. It causes the hair strands to become erect on the skin.

3. Sebaceous gland produces oil.

4. Hair follicles give rise to hair.

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