Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

5. Integumentary System

The Epidermis: Cells

Anatomy & Physiology

5. Integumentary System

The Epidermis: Cells

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3:18 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Which epidermal cell type is most numerous?
a. Keratinocyte
b. Melanocyte
c. Dendritic cell
d. Tactile epithelial cell

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. It consists of several cell types that perform specific functions.

Step 2: Learn about keratinocytes, which are the primary cells of the epidermis. They produce keratin, a protein that provides strength and waterproofing to the skin.

Step 3: Compare keratinocytes to other epidermal cell types: melanocytes (responsible for pigment production), dendritic cells (immune cells that detect pathogens), and tactile epithelial cells (involved in sensory reception).

Step 4: Note that keratinocytes make up approximately 90% of the cells in the epidermis, making them the most numerous cell type.

Step 5: Conclude that keratinocytes are the correct answer based on their abundance and primary role in the epidermis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis, constituting about 90% of its cells. They are responsible for producing keratin, a protein that provides strength and waterproofing to the skin. As they move from the basal layer to the surface, they undergo a process called keratinization, which is essential for maintaining the skin's barrier function.

Melanocytes

Melanocytes are specialized cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Although they play a crucial role in protecting the skin from UV radiation, they are much less numerous than keratinocytes, making up about 1-2% of the epidermal cell population. Their function is vital for skin pigmentation and protection against sun damage.

Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells, including Langerhans cells, are immune cells found in the epidermis that play a key role in the skin's immune response. They are responsible for capturing and presenting antigens to T cells, thus initiating an immune response. While important for skin defense, their numbers are significantly lower compared to keratinocytes, highlighting the latter's predominance in the epidermis.