Cutaneous Membrane: More commonly referred to as the skin, the largest organ of the body that as a is composed of two main components:
Epidermis- The outer most layer of the skin. Acts as a physical barricade against microbe’s due to its configuration of tough fibrous protein known as keratinocytes that are arranged in five layers:
Stratum Corneum- Repels bacteria and water due to its overlapping composition of 25-30 layers of dead cells – keratinocytes.
Stratum Lucidum- Composed of five to six layers of clear dead keratinocytes giving extra durability found only on the soles of the …show more content…
Stratum Spinosum- Composed of eight to ten layers inferior to the Stratum Granulosum. Contains bundles of spine like cells giving the skin tensile strength.
Stratum Basale- Composed of a single layer of cuboidal/columnar keratinocytes located at the base of the epidermis. An important composition due to tis ability to undergo mitosis.
Melanocytes- Long thin extensions in between keratinocytes that produce melanin. Melanin acts as a barrier to ultra violet light and is one of the pigments responsible for skin color.
Langerhan cells- deals with immune response that rise from red bone marrow and migrate to the epidermal cells.
Merkel cells- these cells interact with tactile disks to detect the sensation of touch.
Dermis- Contains a wide area of dense irregular connective tissue. It has the capability to contract and extend to due its network of collagen and elastic fibers. Microphages, fibroblasts and adipocytes are also present in this tissue. Equipped with supporting structures that have highly specialized