Skin Anatomy

Skin Anatomy

The skin is divided into three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The skin is thicker on the dorsal and extensor surfaces than on the ventral and flexor surfaces.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost part of the skin; it is stratified squamous epithelium. The thickness of the epidermis ranges from 0.05 mm on the eyelids to 1.5 mm on the palms and soles. The microscopic anatomy of the epidermal-dermal junction is complex; it is discussed in detail in Chapter 16 . The innermost layer of the epidermis consists of a single row of columnar cells called basal cells. Basal cells divide to form keratinocytes (prickle cells), which comprise the spinous layer. The cells of the spinous layer are connected to each other by intercellular bridges or spines, which appear histologically as lines between cells. The keratinocytes synthesize insoluble protein, which remains in the cell and eventually becomes a major component of the outer layer (the stratum corneum). The cells continue to flatten, and their cytoplasm appears granular (stratum granulosum); they finally die as they reach the surface to form the stratum corneum. There are three types of branched cells in the epidermis: the melanocyte, which synthesizes pigment (melanin); Langerhans' cell, which serves as a frontline element in immune reactions of the skin; and Merkel's cell, the function of which is not clearly defined.

Dermis

The dermis varies in thickness from 0.3 mm on the eyelid to 3.0 mm on the back; it is composed of three types of connective tissue: collagen, elastic tissue, and reticular fibers. The dermis is divided into two layers: the thin upper layer, called the papillary layer, is composed of thin, haphazardly arranged collagen fibers; the thicker lower layer, called the reticular layer, extends from the base of the papillary layer to the subcutaneous tissue and is composed of thick collagen fibers that are arranged parallel to the surface of the skin. Histiocytes are wandering macrophages that accumulate hemosiderin, melanin, and debris created by inflammation. Mast cells, located primarily about blood vessels, manufacture and release histamine and heparin.

Dermal nerves and vasculature

The sensations of touch and pressure are received by Meissner's and the Vater-Pacini corpuscles. The sensations of pain, itch, and temperature are received by unmyelinated nerve endings in the papillary dermis. A low intensity of stimulation created by inflammation causes itching, whereas a high intensity of stimulation created by inflammation causes pain. Therefore scratching converts the intolerable sensation of itching to the more tolerable sensation of pain and eliminates pruritus.

The autonomic system supplies the motor innervation of the skin. Adrenergic fibers innervate the blood vessels (vasoconstriction), hair erector muscles, and apocrine glands. Autonomic fibers to eccrine sweat glands are cholinergic. The sebaceous gland is regulated by the endocrine system and is not innervated by autonomic fibers.