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

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 13

Textbook Question

Which epidermal cells contain keratohyaline and lamellar granules?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of the epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of several layers, including the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (in thick skin), and stratum corneum.

Identify the role of keratohyaline granules: Keratohyaline granules are involved in the formation of keratin, a protein that provides strength and waterproofing to the skin. These granules are found in cells that are undergoing keratinization.

Identify the role of lamellar granules: Lamellar granules contain lipids and are responsible for forming a water-resistant barrier in the skin. These granules are secreted by cells to help prevent water loss and protect against external environmental factors.

Determine the specific layer of the epidermis where these granules are found: Both keratohyaline and lamellar granules are present in the cells of the stratum granulosum, which is the third layer of the epidermis. This layer is where cells begin to die and prepare for their transition into the stratum corneum.

Conclude that the epidermal cells containing keratohyaline and lamellar granules are keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum. These cells play a critical role in skin barrier function and keratinization.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Keratohyaline Granules

Keratohyaline granules are cytoplasmic structures found in the cells of the stratum granulosum layer of the epidermis. They play a crucial role in the process of keratinization, where they contribute to the formation of keratin, a key protein that provides strength and waterproofing to the skin.

Lamellar Granules

Lamellar granules, also known as Odland bodies, are specialized organelles found in keratinocytes, particularly in the stratum granulosum. These granules release lipids and proteins that form a lipid barrier, essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental damage.

Stratum Granulosum

The stratum granulosum is a layer of the epidermis situated between the stratum lucidum and the stratum spinosum. It is characterized by the presence of keratinocytes that contain keratohyaline and lamellar granules, which are vital for the skin's barrier function and overall integrity.