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Layers of the Epidermis

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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:
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The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
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Papillary Dermis

Papillary Dermis

Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
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Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium

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Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles

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

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The structure and function of the stratum corneum.

Gopinathan K Menon¹, Gary W Cleary, Majella E Lane

¹Global R&D, ASI Corporation, 1361 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

|June 19, 2012

Summary

The skin barrier, or stratum corneum (SC), prevents unwanted entry and water loss. This review details advances in understanding SC structure, function, repair, and development.

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Area of Science:

Dermatology
Skin Biology
Biophysics

Background:

The skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum (SC), acts as a crucial barrier.
Understanding SC structure and function is vital for skin health and disease.
Advances over 150 years have significantly improved our knowledge of this membrane.

Purpose of the Study:

To review major advancements in understanding the skin barrier.
To outline the structure and visualization techniques of the SC.
To discuss factors influencing barrier repair, homeostasis, and development.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific investigations over 150 years.
Summary of structural and functional properties of the SC.
Discussion of molecular, genetic, and cellular mechanisms.

Main Results:

The SC's role as a protective barrier is well-established.
Key aspects discussed include lipid organization, ionic gradients, and metabolic responses.
Cellular signaling pathways involved in barrier repair and homeostasis are highlighted.

Conclusions:

Significant progress has been made in understanding the skin barrier.
Molecular and genetic factors are critical for a competent permeability barrier.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the SC's formidable nature.