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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2:09 minutes

Problem 18

Textbook Question

What two major layers constitute the dermis, and what components are in each layer?

Verified step by step guidance

The dermis is composed of two major layers: the papillary layer and the reticular layer. Begin by understanding the structural and functional differences between these layers.

The papillary layer is the upper layer of the dermis, located directly beneath the epidermis. It is composed of loose connective tissue and contains capillaries, lymphatic vessels, and sensory neurons. It also includes dermal papillae, which interlock with the epidermis to strengthen the connection between the two layers.

The reticular layer is the deeper layer of the dermis, located beneath the papillary layer. It is composed of dense irregular connective tissue, which provides strength and elasticity to the skin. This layer contains larger blood vessels, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings.

Identify the components of the papillary layer: capillaries (small blood vessels), lymphatic vessels, sensory neurons, and dermal papillae. These structures are involved in nutrient exchange, immune response, and sensory perception.

Identify the components of the reticular layer: dense irregular connective tissue, larger blood vessels, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings. These structures contribute to skin strength, elasticity, thermoregulation, and sensory functions.

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Key Concepts

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

Dermis Layers

The dermis is primarily composed of two major layers: the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. The papillary dermis is the uppermost layer, characterized by its thinness and the presence of dermal papillae, which interdigitate with the epidermis, enhancing nutrient exchange. The reticular dermis lies beneath and is thicker, providing strength and elasticity due to its dense connective tissue.

Components of the Papillary Dermis

The papillary dermis contains a rich supply of blood vessels, lymphatics, and sensory nerve endings, which are crucial for thermoregulation and sensation. It also houses collagen and elastin fibers, albeit in a looser arrangement compared to the reticular layer, allowing for flexibility and support to the overlying epidermis.

Components of the Reticular Dermis

The reticular dermis is composed of a dense network of collagen and elastin fibers, providing structural integrity and resilience to the skin. It contains larger blood vessels, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, all of which play vital roles in skin health, thermoregulation, and the overall functionality of the integumentary system.

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Textbook Question

Beginning at the basement membrane and traveling toward the free surface, the epidermis includes the following strata:

(a) Corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale

(b) Granulosum, lucidum, spinosum, basale, corneum

(d) Lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale, corneum

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Textbook Question

The two major components of the dermis are the

(a) Superficial fascia and cutaneous membrane

(b) Epidermis and subcutaneous layer

(d) Stratum basale and stratum corneum

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In which layer(s) of the epidermis does cell division occur?

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What widespread effects does epidermal growth factor (EGF) have on the integument?

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List the four phases in the regeneration of the skin after an injury.

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In clinical practice, drugs can be delivered by diffusion across the skin. This delivery method is called transdermal administration. Why are fat-soluble drugs more suitable for transdermal administration than drugs that are water soluble?

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Why is it important for a surgeon to choose—when possible—an incision pattern according to the skin's tension lines?

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The fibrous protein that is responsible for the strength and water resistance of the skin surface is

(a) Collagen

(b) Eleidin

(d) Elastin

(e) Keratohyalin

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