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Related Concept Videos

Layers of the Epidermis01:21

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:
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...
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Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

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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...
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Cells of the Epidermis01:24

Cells of the Epidermis

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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.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
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Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells01:12

Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells

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The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular...
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Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

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Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own...
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Personal Protective Equipment01:20

Personal Protective Equipment

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Personal protective equipment (PPE) is unique clothing or equipment worn by an employee to minimize or prevent exposure to infectious agents. PPE creates a barrier between the employee and the infectious materials. PPE must be readily available in the patient care area. PPE includes gloves, gowns and aprons, masks and respirators, goggles, face shields, shoes, and headcovers:
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Some thoughts about Anthony V. Rawlings and hydration and barrier function of the skin.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2025

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

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Protective Barriers Provided by the Epidermis.

Sarah de Szalay1, Philip W Wertz2

  • 1Sarah de Szalay Consulting, LLC, Wesy Milford, NJ 07480, USA.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 25, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The skin

Keywords:
Langerhans cellsantimicrobial lipidsantimicrobial peptidesbarrier functionepidermismelanocytes

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The skin, our largest organ, forms a critical interface with the environment.
  • Its surface area, including appendages, is significantly larger than typically considered, presenting a vast area for microbial interaction.
  • All skin layers contribute to defense, but this review emphasizes epidermal and surface antimicrobial factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted antimicrobial defense mechanisms of the skin's epidermis and surface.
  • To highlight the roles of physical, chemical, and immunological factors in skin's innate immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the skin's protective barriers.
  • Analysis of antimicrobial lipids, peptides, proteins, and environmental factors.
  • Discussion of UV protection and immune surveillance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • The stratum corneum provides a robust physical and chemical barrier.
  • An innate antimicrobial barrier exists at the skin surface, involving lipids, peptides, and proteins.
  • Low surface pH, nutrient scarcity, melanin, trans-urocanic acid, and Langerhans cells contribute to skin's defense.

Conclusions:

  • The skin possesses a complex, multi-layered defense system against environmental challenges and microbial invasion.
  • Epidermal and surface factors are crucial for maintaining skin's antimicrobial integrity and innate immunity.