2 Match the following with the correct descriptions A) Stratum basale B) Stratum granulosum C) Stratum corneum D) Stratum spinosum 12) Epidermal layer where the cells are protective but nonviable 13) Epidermal layer that is mitotically active, ultimately producing new cells 14) Epidermal layer producing lamellated lipid granules 15) Epidermal layer cells containing thick bundles of pre-keratin Match the following: write the correct letter in the blanks (one letter per description) (look these up) A) Erythemia B) Jaundice C) Addison’s disease D) Pallor E) Cyanosis 16) May indicate embarrassment, fever, hypertension, inflammation, or allergy. (caused by increased permeability of skin capillaries to red blood cells). 17) May indicate fear, anger, anemia, or low blood pressure (caused by a constriction or closing of blood vessels to the skin) 18) Yellow skin discoloration, indicating a liver disorder: (caused by an inability of liver cells to properly remove the byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.) 19) Appearance of a bronzing/tanning of the skin (an endocrine disorder resulting in a lack of hormone production by the adrenal glands) 20) A bluish color of the skin in the extremities, caused by inadequate oxygenation of the blood in circulation.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answers:
12) C) Stratum corneum
13) A) Stratum basale
14) B) Stratum granulosum
15) D) Stratum spinosum
16) A) Erythemia
17) D) Pallor
18) B) Jaundice
19) C) Addison’s disease
20) E) Cyanosis
Explanation:
Epidermal Layers of the Skin
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, composed of several sub-layers (strata), each with specific functions and characteristics:
- Stratum corneum: The outermost layer, consisting of dead, keratinized cells. These cells are protective but no longer viable, forming a barrier against environmental damage.
- Stratum basale: The deepest layer, where mitosis (cell division) occurs to produce new keratinocytes. These cells migrate upward to replenish the skin.
- Stratum granulosum: Cells in this layer produce lamellated granules, which contain lipids crucial for the skin’s barrier function, preventing water loss and pathogen entry.
- Stratum spinosum: This layer contains keratinocytes bound by desmosomes, giving a spiny appearance. The cells contain thick bundles of pre-keratin, contributing to structural integrity.
Skin Color Changes
Skin color reflects physiological and pathological states:
- Erythemia: Redness due to increased blood flow (hyperemia) in capillaries. Common causes include fever, inflammation, and emotional responses like embarrassment.
- Pallor: Pale skin from reduced blood flow or oxygenation, often linked to fear, anemia, or hypotension.
- Jaundice: A yellow hue caused by liver dysfunction, leading to an accumulation of bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown).
- Addison’s disease: Bronzing or darkening of the skin from adrenal insufficiency. Low cortisol stimulates increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
- Cyanosis: Blue discoloration from poor oxygenation in blood, often affecting extremities. It’s a sign of respiratory or circulatory issues.
Understanding these terms helps identify underlying medical conditions based on skin appearance, essential for diagnosis and treatment.