What is the main function of the epidermis?
Protection. The epidermis acts like armor to protect your body from harm, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) and chemicals.Oct 19, 2021
What is the main cell of the epidermis?
Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type of epidermis and originate in the basal layer, produce keratin, and are responsible for the formation of the epidermal water barrier by making and secreting lipids.
What are the two main cells found in the epidermis?
The epidermis contains different types of cells, including: Keratinocytes: Keratinocytes produce the protein keratin, which is the main component of the epidermis. Melanocytes: Melanocytes make your skin pigment, known as melanin.Oct 19, 2021
What is epidermis made of?
The epidermis primarily consists of keratinocytes (proliferating basal and differentiated suprabasal), which comprise 90% of its cells, but also contains melanocytes, Langerhans cells, Merkel cells, and inflammatory cells. Epidermal thickenings called Rete ridges (or rete pegs) extend downward between dermal papillae.
What is the most important layer of the epidermis?
The stratum basale, also called the stratum germinativum, is the basal (base) layer of the epidermis. It is the layer that's closest to the blood supply lying underneath the epidermis. This layer is one of the most important layers of our skin.Aug 13, 2020
What is the main structural features of the epidermis?
The epidermis is a multilayered epithelial structure composed of keratinocytes that produce the structural protein keratin. Histologically, the epidermis is composed primarily of four tightly-adherent layers of squamous epithelium organized into distinct vertical zones by stages of differentiation.
What are the three features of epidermis?
What are the functions of the epidermis?
- Hydration. The outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) holds in water and keeps your skin hydrated and healthy.
- Producing new skin cells. ...
- Protection. ...
- Skin color.
What are the identifying features of the epidermis?
The epidermis is composed of keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium. It is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. It does not have any blood vessels within it (i.e., it is avascular).