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Related Concept Videos

Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Layers of the Epidermis01:21

Layers of the Epidermis

The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Introduction to the Integumentary System01:25

Introduction to the Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
Tissue Membranes01:27

Tissue Membranes

A tissue membrane is a thin layer of cells that covers the outside of the body, the organs, internal passageways that lead to the exterior of the body, and the lining of the moveable joint cavities. There are two basic types of tissue membranes— connective tissue and epithelial membranes.
Connective Tissue Membranes
The connective tissue membrane is formed solely from connective tissue. These membranes encapsulate organs, such as the kidneys, and line our movable joints. A synovial membrane is...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection01:26

Defense Mechanism Against Infection

Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Preparation of Single-cell Suspensions for Cytofluorimetric Analysis from Different Mouse Skin Regions
05:58

Preparation of Single-cell Suspensions for Cytofluorimetric Analysis from Different Mouse Skin Regions

Published on: April 20, 2016

The skin's barrier.

J M Jensen1, E Proksch

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Schleswig-Holstein, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. mjensen@dermatology.uni-kiel.de

Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia : Organo Ufficiale, Societa Italiana Di Dermatologia E Sifilografia
|November 13, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The skin

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Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale
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Cultivating a Three-dimensional Reconstructed Human Epidermis at a Large Scale

Published on: May 28, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and skin biology
  • Epidermal barrier function research

Background:

  • The skin's physical barrier, primarily in the stratum corneum (SC), prevents pathogen invasion and water loss.
  • It comprises protein-rich corneocytes and lipid-rich intercellular domains.
  • The epidermis also contributes to barrier function via cell junctions and cytoskeletal elements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the components of the skin's physical barrier.
  • To explain how barrier function is regulated and altered in dermatoses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on skin barrier structure and function.
  • Analysis of the molecular components and regulatory mechanisms of the epidermal barrier.

Main Results:

  • The SC contains corneocytes with cornified envelopes and lipid-enriched extracellular layers.
  • Lipids like ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol are crucial for barrier integrity.
  • Filaggrin cross-links keratin, and cytokines, cAMP, and calcium regulate barrier formation.

Conclusions:

  • Altered lipid composition and epidermal differentiation disrupt the skin barrier.
  • A compromised skin barrier is implicated in atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, ichthyosis, and psoriasis.
  • Understanding barrier function is key to addressing various skin diseases.