| Term | Definition |
|---|
| keratinocytes | keratin cells |
| melanocytes | spider-shaped epithelial cells synthesize pigment melanin |
| Epidermis | Composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, consisting of four distinct cell types and four or five layersls |
| Hypodermis | (superficial fascia) – deepest region |
| thick skin | covers palms, fingertips, soles of feet; five layers of strata |
| thin skin | covers rest of body; four layers of strata -- no stratum lucidum |
| stratum basale | single row of stem cells -- youngest keratinocytes |
| stratum spinosum | several cell layers thick -- keratinocytes have spines -- web-like system of intermediate filaments |
| stratum granulosum | three to five cell layers -- keratinization begins -- two types of granules |
| stratum lucidum | two or three rows of clear, flat dead keratinocytes -- superficial to granulosum -- |
| stratum corneum | 20 to 30 cell layers of dead, flat keratinized membranous sacs |
| Merkel cells | found in epidermal/dermal junction; function as touch receptors in association with sensory nerve endings |
| Langerhans' cells | arise from bone marrow; epidermal macrophages that ingest foreign substances and help activate the immune system |
Combine with other sets
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