Epidermis

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Epidermis
Epidermis-delimited.JPG
Microscopic image of the epidermis, which constitutes the outer layer of skin, shown here by the white bar
Epidermal layers.png
Microscopic image showing the layers of the epidermis. The stratum corneum appears more compact in this image than above because of different sample preparation.
Details
Part of Skin
System Integumentary system
Identifiers
Latin epidermis
MeSH D004817
TA98 A16.0.00.009
TA2 7046
TH H3.12.00.1.01001
FMA 70596
Anatomical terms of microanatomy

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. [3]

Contents

The epidermis is composed of multiple layers of flattened cells [4] that overlie a base layer (stratum basale) composed of columnar cells arranged perpendicularly. The layers of cells develop from stem cells in the basal layer. The thickness of the epidermis varies from 31.2μm for the penis to 596.6μm for the sole of the foot with most being roughly 90μm. Thickness does not vary between the sexes but becomes thinner with age. [5] The human epidermis is an example of epithelium, particularly a stratified squamous epithelium.

The word epidermis is derived through Latin from Ancient Greek epidermis, itself from Ancient Greek epi 'over, upon' and from Ancient Greek derma 'skin'. Something related to or part of the epidermis is termed epidermal.

Structure

Cellular components

The epidermis primarily consists of keratinocytes [4] (proliferating basal and differentiated suprabasal), which comprise 90% of its cells, but also contains melanocytes, Langerhans cells, Merkel cells, [6] :2–3 and inflammatory cells. Epidermal thickenings called Rete ridges (or rete pegs) extend downward between dermal papillae. [7] Blood capillaries are found beneath the epidermis, and are linked to an arteriole and a venule. The epidermis itself has no blood supply and is nourished almost exclusively by diffused oxygen from the surrounding air. [8] Cellular mechanisms for regulating water and sodium levels (ENaCs) are found in all layers of the epidermis. [9]

Cell junctions

Epidermal cells are tightly interconnected to serve as a tight barrier against the exterior environment. The junctions between the epidermal cells are of the adherens junction type, formed by transmembrane proteins called cadherins. Inside the cell, the cadherins are linked to actin filaments. In immunofluorescence microscopy, the actin filament network appears as a thick border surrounding the cells, [9] although the actin filaments are actually located inside the cell and run parallel to the cell membrane. Because of the proximity of the neighboring cells and tightness of the junctions, the actin immunofluorescence appears as a border between cells. [9]

Layers

Schematic image showing a section of epidermis, with epidermal layers labeled Skinlayers.png
Schematic image showing a section of epidermis, with epidermal layers labeled

The epidermis is composed of 4 or 5 layers, depending on the region of skin being considered. [10] Those layers from outermost to innermost are: [2]

cornified layer ( stratum corneum )
Confocal image of the stratum corneum Confocal image of the stratum corneum.jpg
Confocal image of the stratum corneum
Composed of 10 to 30 layers of polyhedral, anucleated corneocytes (final step of keratinocyte differentiation), with the palms and soles having the most layers. Corneocytes contain a protein envelope (cornified envelope proteins) underneath the plasma membrane, are filled with water-retaining keratin proteins, attached together through corneodesmosomes and surrounded in the extracellular space by stacked layers of lipids. [11] Most of the barrier functions of the epidermis localize to this layer. [12]
clear/translucent layer ( stratum lucidum , only in palms and soles)
This narrow layer is found only on the palms and soles. The epidermis of these two areas is known as "thick skin" because with this extra layer, the skin has 5 epidermal layers instead of 4.
granular layer ( stratum granulosum )
Confocal image of the stratum granulosum Confocal image of the stratum granulosum.jpg
Confocal image of the stratum granulosum
Keratinocytes lose their nuclei and their cytoplasm appears granular. Lipids, contained into those keratinocytes within lamellar bodies, are released into the extracellular space through exocytosis to form a lipid barrier that prevents water loss from the body as well as entry of foreign substances. Those polar lipids are then converted into non-polar lipids and arranged parallel to the cell surface. For example glycosphingolipids become ceramides and phospholipids become free fatty acids. [11]
spinous layer ( stratum spinosum )
Confocal image of the stratum spinosum already showing some clusters of basal cells Confocal image of the stratum spinosum with some basal cell clusters.jpg
Confocal image of the stratum spinosum already showing some clusters of basal cells
Keratinocytes become connected through desmosomes and produce lamellar bodies, from within the Golgi, enriched in polar lipids, glycosphingolipids, free sterols, phospholipids and catabolic enzymes. [3] Langerhans cells, immunologically active cells, are located in the middle of this layer. [11]
basal/germinal layer ( stratum basale/germinativum )
Confocal image of the stratum basale already showing some papillae Confocal image of the stratum basale showing some papillae.jpg
Confocal image of the stratum basale already showing some papillae
Composed mainly of proliferating and non-proliferating keratinocytes, attached to the basement membrane by hemidesmosomes. Melanocytes are present, connected to numerous keratinocytes in this and other strata through dendrites. Merkel cells are also found in the stratum basale with large numbers in touch-sensitive sites such as the fingertips and lips. They are closely associated with cutaneous nerves and seem to be involved in light touch sensation. [11]
Malpighian layer (stratum malpighii)
This is usually defined as both the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. [4]

The epidermis is separated from the dermis, its underlying tissue, by a basement membrane.

Cellular kinetics

Cell division

As a stratified squamous epithelium, the epidermis is maintained by cell division within the stratum basale. Differentiating cells delaminate from the basement membrane and are displaced outward through the epidermal layers, undergoing multiple stages of differentiation until, in the stratum corneum, losing their nucleus and fusing to squamous sheets, which are eventually shed from the surface (desquamation). Differentiated keratinocytes secrete keratin proteins, which contribute to the formation of an extracellular matrix that is an integral part of the skin barrier function. In normal skin, the rate of keratinocyte production equals the rate of loss, [4] taking about two weeks for a cell to journey from the stratum basale to the top of the stratum granulosum, and an additional four weeks to cross the stratum corneum. [2] The entire epidermis is replaced by new cell growth over a period of about 48 days. [13]

Calcium concentration

Keratinocyte differentiation throughout the epidermis is in part mediated by a calcium gradient, increasing from the stratum basale until the outer stratum granulosum, where it reaches its maximum, and decreasing in the stratum corneum. Calcium concentration in the stratum corneum is very low in part because those relatively dry cells are not able to dissolve the ions. This calcium gradient parallels keratinocyte differentiation and as such is considered a key regulator in the formation of the epidermal layers. [3]

Elevation of extracellular calcium concentrations induces an increase in intracellular free calcium concentrations. [14] Part of that intracellular increase comes from calcium released from intracellular stores [15] and another part comes from transmembrane calcium influx, [16] through both calcium-sensitive chloride channels [17] and voltage-independent cation channels permeable to calcium. [18] Moreover, it has been suggested that an extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) also contributes to the rise in intracellular calcium concentration. [19]

Development

Epidermal organogenesis, the formation of the epidermis, begins in the cells covering the embryo after neurulation, the formation of the central nervous system. In most vertebrates, this original one-layered structure quickly transforms into a two-layered tissue; a temporary outer layer, the embryonic periderm, which is disposed once the inner basal layer or stratum germinativum has formed. [20]

This inner layer is a germinal epithelium that gives rise to all epidermal cells. It divides to form the outer spinous layer ( stratum spinosum ). The cells of these two layers, together called the Malpighian layer(s) after Marcello Malpighi, divide to form the superficial granular layer (Stratum granulosum) of the epidermis. [20]

The cells in the stratum granulosum do not divide, but instead form skin cells called keratinocytes from the granules of keratin. These skin cells finally become the cornified layer (stratum corneum), the outermost epidermal layer, where the cells become flattened sacks with their nuclei located at one end of the cell. After birth these outermost cells are replaced by new cells from the stratum granulosum and throughout life they are shed at a rate of 30 - 90 milligrams of skin flakes every hour, or 0.720 - 2.16 grams per day. [21]

Epidermal development is a product of several growth factors, two of which are: [20]

Function

Barrier

The epidermis serves as a barrier to protect the body against microbial pathogens, oxidant stress (UV light), and chemical compounds, and provides mechanical resistance to minor injury. Most of this barrier role is played by the stratum corneum. [12]

Characteristics
Permeability

Skin hydration

The ability of the skin to hold water is primarily due to the stratum corneum and is critical for maintaining healthy skin. [24] Skin hydration is quantified using corneometry. [25] Lipids arranged through a gradient and in an organized manner between the cells of the stratum corneum form a barrier to transepidermal water loss. [26] [27]

Skin color

The amount and distribution of melanin pigment in the epidermis is the main reason for variation in skin color in Homo sapiens . Melanin is found in the small melanosomes, particles formed in melanocytes from where they are transferred to the surrounding keratinocytes. The size, number, and arrangement of the melanosomes vary between racial groups, but while the number of melanocytes can vary between different body regions, their numbers remain the same in individual body regions in all human beings. In white and Asian skin the melanosomes are packed in "aggregates", but in black skin they are larger and distributed more evenly. The number of melanosomes in the keratinocytes increases with UV radiation exposure, while their distribution remain largely unaffected. [28]

Touch

The skin contains specialized epidermal touch receptor cells called Merkel cells. Historically, the role of Merkel cells in sensing touch has been thought to be indirect, due their close association with nerve endings. However, recent work in mice and other model organisms demonstrates that Merkel cells intrinsically transform touch into electrical signals that are transmitted to the nervous system. [29]

Clinical significance

Laboratory culture of keratinocytes to form a 3D structure (artificial skin) recapitulating most of the properties of the epidermis is routinely used as a tool for drug development and testing.

Hyperplasia

Epidermal hyperplasia (thickening resulting from cell proliferation) has various forms:

In contrast, hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the stratum corneum, and is not necessarily due to hyperplasia.

Additional images

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skin</span> Soft outer covering organ of vertebrates

Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Integumentary system</span> Skin and other protective organs

The integumentary system is the set of organs forming the outermost layer of an animal's body. It comprises the skin and its appendages, which act as a physical barrier between the external environment and the internal environment that it serves to protect and maintain the body of the animal. Mainly it is the body's outer skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keratinocyte</span> Primary type of cell found in the epidermis

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. Basal cells in the basal layer of the skin are sometimes referred to as basal keratinocytes. Keratinocytes form a barrier against environmental damage by heat, UV radiation, water loss, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. A number of structural proteins, enzymes, lipids, and antimicrobial peptides contribute to maintain the important barrier function of the skin. Keratinocytes differentiate from epidermal stem cells in the lower part of the epidermis and migrate towards the surface, finally becoming corneocytes and eventually being shed, which happens every 40 to 56 days in humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skin condition</span> Any medical condition that affects the integumentary system

A skin condition, also known as cutaneous condition, is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system—the organ system that encloses the body and includes skin, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this system is as a barrier against the external environment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stratum corneum</span> Outermost layer of the epidermis

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis. Consisting of dead tissue, it protects underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals and mechanical stress. It is composed of 15–20 layers of flattened cells with no nuclei and cell organelles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desquamation</span> Skin peeling

Desquamation, or peeling skin, is the shedding of dead cells from the outermost layer of skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stratum lucidum</span> Thin layer of dead skin cells

The stratum lucidum is a thin, clear layer of dead skin cells in the epidermis named for its translucent appearance under a microscope. It is readily visible by light microscopy only in areas of thick skin, which are found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stratum granulosum</span> Cell layer in the epidermis

The stratum granulosum is a thin layer of cells in the epidermis lying above the stratum spinosum and below the stratum corneum. Keratinocytes migrating from the underlying stratum spinosum become known as granular cells in this layer. These cells contain keratohyalin granules, which are filled with histidine- and cysteine-rich proteins that appear to bind the keratin filaments together. Therefore, the main function of keratohyalin granules is to bind intermediate keratin filaments together.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stratum spinosum</span> Layer of the epidermis

The stratum spinosum is a layer of the epidermis found between the stratum granulosum and stratum basale. This layer is composed of polyhedral keratinocytes. These are joined with desmosomes. Their spiny appearance is due to shrinking of the microfilaments between desmosomes that occurs when stained with H&E. Keratinization begins in the stratum spinosum, although the actual keratinocytes begin in the stratum basale. They have large pale-staining nuclei as they are active in synthesizing fibrillar proteins, known as cytokeratin, which build up within the cells aggregating together forming tonofibrils. The tonofibrils go on to form the desmosomes, which allow for strong connections to form between adjacent keratinocytes. The stratum spinosum also contains Langerhans cells, which functions as a macrophage by engulfing bacteria, foreign particles, and damaged cells that occur in this layer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Filaggrin</span> Protein found in Homo sapiens

Filaggrin is a filament-associated protein that binds to keratin fibers in epithelial cells. Ten to twelve filaggrin units are post-translationally hydrolyzed from a large profilaggrin precursor protein during terminal differentiation of epidermal cells. In humans, profilaggrin is encoded by the FLG gene, which is part of the S100 fused-type protein (SFTP) family within the epidermal differentiation complex on chromosome 1q21. In cetaceans and sirenians, the FLG family has lost its function, with the curious exception of manatees in the latter clade: manatees still retain some functional FLG genes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamellar bodies</span> Secretory organelles

In cell biology, lamellar bodies are secretory organelles found in type II alveolar cells in the lungs, and in keratinocytes in the skin. They are oblong structures, appearing about 300-400 nm in width and 100-150 nm in length in transmission electron microscopy images. Lamellar bodies in the alveoli of the lungs fuse with the cell membrane and release pulmonary surfactant into the extracellular space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human skin</span> Organ covering the outside of the human body

The human skin is the outer covering of the body and is the largest organ of the integumentary system. The skin has up to seven layers of ectodermal tissue guarding muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is similar to most of the other mammals' skin, and it is very similar to pig skin. Though nearly all human skin is covered with hair follicles, it can appear hairless. There are two general types of skin: hairy and glabrous skin (hairless). The adjective cutaneous literally means "of the skin".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transdermal</span> Method of drug administration

Transdermal is a route of administration wherein active ingredients are delivered across the skin for systemic distribution. Examples include transdermal patches used for medicine delivery. The drug is administered in the form of a patch or ointment that delivers the drug into the circulation for systemic effect.

Corneocytes are terminally differentiated keratinocytes and compose most of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. They are regularly replaced through desquamation and renewal from lower epidermal layers and are essential for its function as a skin barrier.

Keratohyalin is a protein structure found in cytoplasmic granules of the keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis. Keratohyalin granules (KHG) mainly consist of keratin, profilaggrin, loricrin and trichohyalin proteins which contribute to cornification or keratinization, the process of the formation of epidermal cornified cell envelope. During the keratinocyte differentiation, these granules maturate and expand in size, which leads to the conversion of keratin tonofilaments into a homogenous keratin matrix, an important step in cornification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KLK7</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) is a serine protease that in humans is encoded by the KLK7 gene. KLK7 was initially purified from the epidermis and characterised as stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme (SCCE). It was later identified as the seventh member of the human kallikrein family, which includes fifteen homologous serine proteases located on chromosome 19 (19q13).

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.

Tissue engineering of oral mucosa combines cells, materials and engineering to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of oral mucosa. It is meant to simulate the real anatomical structure and function of oral mucosa. Tissue engineered oral mucosa shows promise for clinical use, such as the replacement of soft tissue defects in the oral cavity. These defects can be divided into two major categories: the gingival recessions which are tooth-related defects, and the non tooth-related defects. Non tooth-related defects can be the result of trauma, chronic infection or defects caused by tumor resection or ablation. Common approaches for replacing damaged oral mucosa are the use of autologous grafts and cultured epithelial sheets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LEKTI-2</span> Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens

Lympho-epithelial Kazal-type related inhibitor 2 (LEKTI-2) is a protein encoded by the SPINK9 gene in humans. SPINK9 is a member of a gene family cluster located on chromosome 5q33.1, which includes SPINK5 and SPINK6. LEKTI-2 is an inhibitor of KLK5.

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