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Skin - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 17:50, 7 December 2022
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==Development==
==Development==
===Origin of the epidermis===
===Origin of the epidermis===
Following neurulation, the precursor of the epidermis is formed from the cells covering the embryo. This then becomes 2 layers, the outer forming the '''periderm''' and the inner forming the '''basal layer''' or ''stratum basale''. A further layer is formed from the basal layer called the '''spinous layer''' or ''stratum spinosum''. The basal and spinous layers are termed the ''Malphigian layer'', the cells of which then divide to produce the '''granular layer''' or ''stratum granulosum''. As the cells of the granular layer differentiate and keratinise, they form the outer '''cornified layer''' or ''stratum corneum''.
Following neurulation, the precursor of the epidermis is formed from the cells covering the embryo - the '''ectoderm'''. This then becomes 2 layers, the outer forming the '''periderm''' and the inner forming the '''basal layer''' or ''stratum basale''. A further layer is formed from the basal layer called the '''spinous layer''' or ''stratum spinosum''. The basal and spinous layers are termed the ''Malphigian layer'', the cells of which then divide to produce the '''granular layer''' or ''stratum granulosum''. As the cells of the granular layer differentiate and keratinise, they form the outer '''cornified layer''' or ''stratum corneum''.
==Structure and Function==
==Structure and Function==
===Epidermis===
===Epidermis===
[[image: Section of Monkey Skin.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Monkey epidermis showing the layers present. ©RVC2008]]
The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium and is composed of 4 cell layers anchored to a basal lamina of connective tissue. Keratinocytes migrate through the epidermis from the basal layer. This migration begins in the stratum basale, then moves up through the stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum.
The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium and is composed of 4 cell layers anchored to a basal lamina of connective tissue. Keratinocytes migrate through the epidermis from the basal layer. This migration begins in the stratum basale, then moves up through the stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum.
*'''Stratum spinosum'''
*'''Stratum spinosum'''
Above the stratum basale is the ''stratum spinosum''. Spinous cells are large polygonal cells with prominent desmosomal intercellular filaments. When cells move into this layer, they shrink and move apart. Keratinisation begins in the stratum spinosum and continues in the stratum granulosum.
Above the stratum basale is the ''stratum spinosum''. Spinous cells are large polygonal cells with prominent '''desmosomal intercellular filaments''', which act like bridges between the cells. When cells move into this layer, they shrink and move apart. Keratinisation begins in the stratum spinosum and continues in the stratum granulosum.
*'''Stratum Granulosum'''
*'''Stratum Granulosum'''
*'''Stratum Corneum'''
*'''Stratum Corneum'''
The outer layer, ''stratum corneum'', consists of anucleate, thin cells filled with keratin filaments and proteins that form a cell envelope resistant to solvents and enzymes; there is also a permeability barrier to water and ions. The cells of the stratum corneum are embedded in a lipid-rich matrix which helps to hold the cells together, while the desmosomes that were present in lower layers have disappeared. For the stratum corneum to maintain a constant thickness, there is a constant turnover of exfoliated corneocytes, being replaced by new corneocytes. Enzymes in the lamellar bodies from the '''stratum granulosum''' help to break down the intercellular lipid 'glue' that holds the cells in place and there is also some degradation of desmosomes.
The outer layer, ''stratum corneum'', consists of anucleate, thin cells filled with keratin filaments and proteins that form a cell envelope resistant to solvents and enzymes; there is also a permeability barrier to water and ions. The cells of the stratum corneum are embedded in a lipid-rich matrix which helps to hold the cells together, while the '''desmosomes''' that were present in lower layers have disappeared. For the stratum corneum to maintain a constant thickness, there is a constant turnover of exfoliated corneocytes, being replaced by new corneocytes. Enzymes in the lamellar bodies from the '''stratum granulosum''' help to break down the intercellular lipid 'glue' that holds the cells in place and there is also some degradation of desmosomes.
====Cells of the Epidermis====
====Cells of the Epidermis====
*'''Langerhans' cells'''
*'''Langerhans' cells'''
These are dentritic cells derived from bone marrow. They act as ''antigen presenting cells'' in the epidermis as part of the mononuclear phagocyte immune system. Langerhans' cells express MHC I and II molecules and immunoglubulin Fc receptors and are a key feature of '''delayed hypersensitivity responses.'''
These are dentritic cells derived from [[Bone Marrow - Anatomy & Physiology|bone marrow]]. They act as [[Peyer's Patches - Anatomy & Physiology#M cells|antigen presenting cells]] in the epidermis as part of the mononuclear phagocyte immune system. Langerhans' cells express MHC I and II molecules and immunoglubulin Fc receptors and are a key feature of '''delayed hypersensitivity responses.'''
*'''Melanocytes'''
*'''Melanocytes'''
*'''Merkel cells'''
*'''Merkel cells'''
These are part of the sensory apparatus of the skin and are located within the '''stratum basale''' of the epidermis where they act as slow-adapting mechanoreceptors. They are usually closely associated with the afferent myelinated nerve fibres, arranged in a plate-like structure with the base of the Merkel cell, together forming a '''''Merkel's corpuscle'''''.
===Dermis===
===Dermis===
The epidermis interfaces with the underlying dermis at the '''basement membrane zone (BMZ)'''. The binding includes anchoring junctions called ''hemidesmosomes'' and ''focal adhesions''. The former comprise extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as '''laminin-5''' and '''collagen type IV''' molecules, which form the lamina densa part of the BMZ, while the lamina lucida is composed of '''Collagen type V'''. '''Collagen type VII''' is important in forming anchoring fibrils between the dermis and the basal lamina.
Rete ridges are epidermal projections into the dermis in areas of mechanical loading such as the nasal planum and footpads.
The '''dermis''' consists of dense fibrous tissue composed of '''collagen type I, III and V''', with some elastin fibres and provides a supporting mattress for the carriage of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves and sensory receptors, '''hair follicles''', sebaceous and sweat glands, with circulating white cells.
===Glands===
===Glands===
*'''Sweat Glands'''
[[image: Skin.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A diagram of a section through typical skin]]
*'''Sweat glands'''
Sweat is considered to be the product of [[Necrosis - Pathology#Apoptosis|apoptosis]] releasing cell contents into the gland lumen, together with secretion where exocytosis, microapocrine blebbing, transcellular and perhaps paracellular processes involved in varying degrees. Sweat is composed of secretions and cellular debris and includes inorganic ions, water, immunoglobulins, amino acids and waste products including urea and lactic acid. Equine sweat is rich in proteins including glycoproteins, albumin and gammaglobulins, which cause the sweat to froth and the horse is said to "lather up".
Sweat is degraded by bacteria leading to odour. Dogs and cats produce very little sweat and use panting to lower body temperature.
*[[Mammary Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|'''Mammary glands''']]
These are greatly modified, enlarged sweat glands and are present in both male and female animals. Depending on species, they extend from the axillae to the groin, associated with teats and a complex array of sinuses and ducts. Age, pregnancy and [[Endocrine System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|endocrine]] factors have an important role in determining glandular activity.
*'''Sebaceous glands'''
One or more sebaceous glands surround each '''hair follicle''' at a point about 1/3 of its length beneath the skin's surface. Each gland is composed of numerous ''acini'' attached to a common '''excretory duct''' through which they discharge their secretions ('''sebum''') onto the hair shaft and epidermis. In the skin and eyelids such glands release the cell contents together with secretory products with holocrine secretion. This secretion involves [[Necrosis - Pathology#Apoptosis|apoptosis]] in which the secretory products and cell debris are released into the gland lumen. The secretory products vary from species to species and include various fatty acids, diglycerides, cholesterol, diesters, wax esters and giant-ring lactones.
The function of sebum is that of an emolient of the hair and skin, preventing excessive dryness. It may combine with '''sweat''' to form an emulsion within the stratum corneum and a form of cement around the hair pores preventing bacterial invasion of the epidermis. Sebum is also released from the glands during piloerection, as the action of the [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology#Hair Types|arrector pili]] muscle squeezes the gland as it raises the hair.
In sheep, sebum is often referred to as "'''lanolin'''". This is the cause of many skin allergies in humans.
*'''Circumanal and supracaudal tail glands'''
Hepatoid sebaceous glands restricted to the perineum, dorsal tail and prepuce, they may have an endocrine and/or pheromone function. They empty into special sweat glands.
*'''Submental and circumoral glands'''
Large glands in the [[Lips|lip]] region of cats and some rodents; presumed to have a territory marking role. Circumoral glands are enlarged integumentary glands bordering on the mucocutaneous junctions of the mouth or oral margins associated with greeting and related behaviours, especially in scuiriomorph rodents.
'''Rabbits''' have scent glands on the chin which are used to mark territory by excreting droplets onto structures in the environment. Male rabbits scent-mark more intensively than female rabbits, and dominant individuals more than subdominant animals. This is correlated with larger scent glands in dominant males.
*'''Inguinal glands'''
Sexually-related scent glands prominent in ungulates. They are located at the base of the udders to allow offspring to locate the teats of their mother.
'''Rabbits''' have pocket-like inguinal glands lateral to the genital openings. They are used to mark kits and cage surfaces and may contain dried yellow-brown sebaceous material. Does will attack young which have not been scent-marked, even if they are in the same breeding group.
*[[Anus - Anatomy & Physiology#Species Differences|'''Anal glands''']]
Sebaceous (and modified apocrine in the dog) glands lie within the wall of the anal sacs, with a duct carrying material to the anal opening. The foul smelling secretion may act as a territorial marker. Secretions are expressed on defecation. The secretions are composed of fatty and serous materials with cellular debris.
'''Rabbits''' also have anal glands which coat the faeces and are used by rabbits to scent-mark their territory.
==Cutaneous Appendages==
===Footpads===
[[image: Section of Dog Footpad.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Thickened skin of the canine footpad. ©RVC2008]]
Cats and Dogs have a digitigrade stance with digital, metacarpal and metatarsal pads in contact with the ground. A carpal pad is also present, but seems to be superfluous.
Pads are covered with a very thickened epidermis with no hair follicles. They are hyperpigmented and have atrichial sweat glands opening to the surface under the influence of epinephrine.
There is little dermis and the hypodermis is composed of collagenous and elastic fibres mixed with adipose tissue to form a digital cushion that provides protection from mechanical impact.
===The Nose===
The covering of the nose is very thickened with rete ridges providing anchoring. The surface has a cobblestone appearance in dogs and cats. Hair and sebaceous glands are absent, atrichial glands are present.
[[image: The nose of a Dog.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The cobblestone appearance of the nose of the Dog. Courtesy of Piotr Grzywocz]]
===Claws===
Claws have a variety of functions including locomotion, climbing, fighting and hunting. They are composed of a coronary band, lateral compressed walls and a flaky ventral sole. The hard keratinised epidermis is formed from the nail matrix that is an extension of the hirsute skin, with an underlying vascular dermis.
Cats can unsheath their claws by muscle action and retract them with an elastic ligament on the dorsal aspect of the middle and distal phalanges.
Depending on the pigmentation of the claw, the dermis may or may not be visible. Care must be taken when clipping claws to avoid laceration of the 'quick' and subsequent haemorrhage.
The claws of the accessory first digits on the medial aspect of the foot of dogs is often termed the '''dew claw'''.
===Eyelids===
The palpebral margin is thicker than the remainder of the eyelid and cilia grow from the margin. There are various glands in the region, including '''Moll's glands''' that are modified sweat glands, associated with the cilia. '''Meibomian glands, Zeis glands''' associated with the cilia and the '''lacrimal glands''' together produce the tear film.
==Immunology==
==Immunology==
The immune system is involved in several diseases of the skin, with different types of hypersensitivity reactions occuring.
See also [[:Category:Integumentary System - Immunologic Pathology|Skin Immunology]]
==Species Differences==
As the integument of avians, reptiles and amphibians is markedly different to that of mammals, it is covered on another page.
[[Integument of Exotic Species - Anatomy & Physiology|The Integument of Exotic Species]]
<br>
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Skin flashcards - Anatomy & Physiology|Skin Flashcards]]<br>[[Small Animal Dermatology Q&A 03]]<br>[[Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 03]]
|dragster = [[Integumentary System Histology Resource (I)|Digital Skin Histology Dragster]]<br>[[Integumentary System Histology Resource (II)|Footpad Histology Dragster]]
|OVAM = [http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/content/skin-histology-images-skin Skin Histology - Thick Skin]<br>[http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/content/skin-histology-images-thin-skin Skin Histology - Thin Skin]<br>[http://www.onlineveterinaryanatomy.net/content/skin-histology-images-adnexal-structures Skin Histology - Adnexal Structures]
}}
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[[Category:Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology]]
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