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The epidermis is the outermost of the three layers that comprise the skin, the inner layers being the dermis and hypodermis. [1] The epidermis layer provides a barrier to infection from environmental pathogens [2] and regulates the amount of water released from the body into the atmosphere through transepidermal water loss.
A failure to correctly regulate these processes leads to skin disorders developing. [4] Cells of the stratum corneum contain a dense network of keratin, a protein that helps keep the skin hydrated by preventing water evaporation. These cells can also absorb water, further aiding in hydration. In addition, this layer is responsible for the ...
One average square inch (6.5 cm 2) of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than 1,000 nerve endings. [5] [better source needed] The average human skin cell is about 30 μm in diameter, but there are variants. A skin cell usually ranges from 25 to 40 μm 2, depending on a variety of factors.
It forms the outermost layer of the skin and the inner lining of the mouth, esophagus and vagina. [2] In the epidermis of skin in mammals, reptiles, and birds, the layer of keratin in the outer layer of the stratified squamous epithelial surface is named the stratum corneum. Stratum corneum is made up of squamous cells which are keratinized and ...
Keratinocytes are the primary type of cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. In humans, they constitute 90% of epidermal skin cells. [ 1 ] Basal cells in the basal layer ( stratum basale ) of the skin are sometimes referred to as basal keratinocytes . [ 2 ]
Skin sloughing is the process of shedding dead surface cells from the skin. It is most associated with cosmetic skin maintenance via exfoliation , but can also occur biologically or for medical reasons.
As they are water-soluble themselves, excessive water contact may leach them and inhibit their normal functions which is why prolonged contact with water makes the skin drier. [14] The intercellular lipid layer helps prevent the loss of natural moisturizing factor by sealing the outside of each corneocyte. [12]
The stratum spinosum (or spinous layer/prickle cell layer) [1] is a layer of the epidermis found between the stratum granulosum and stratum basale. [2] This layer is composed of polyhedral keratinocytes. [3] [4] These are joined with desmosomes. [3]