How thick is the epidermis, in number of cells? Its thickness is not uniform so

Question

How thick is the epidermis, in number of cells? Its thickness is not uniform so give a range from minimum to maximum.

12. What kind of epithelial cells does the epidermis contain?

13. What is different about the cells that make up the outermost layer of the skin when compared to these epidermal cells?

14. Compare the structure of the dermis to the epidermis. What structures are found in the dermis?

15. What is the structure of the hypodermis like when compared to the dermis? What is a possible function of hypodermis fat cells in mammals? Do you think the thickness of this layer would vary depending upon where the mammals lives?

Explanation / Answer

How thick is the epidermis, in number of cells? Its thickness is not uniform so give a range from minimum to maximum

outermost layer; a broad zone 20-30 cell layers thick

12. What kind of epithelial cells does the epidermis contain?

keratinized stratified squamous

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4. Compare the structure of the dermis to the epidermis. What structures are found in the dermis?

Epidermis

Structure: Superficial part of the skin; stratified spamous epithelium; composed of four of five strata.
Function: Prevents water loss and the entry of chemicals and microorganisms
Protects against abrasion and ultraviolet light
produces vitamin D
Gives rise to hair, nails, and glands

Stratum Corneum

Structure: Most superficial stratum of the epidermis; 25 or more layers of dead spamous cells.
Function: Provides structural strength due to the keratin within cells; prevents water loss due to the lipids surrounding cells; sloughing off of most superfisial cells resist abrasion.

Stratum lucidum

Structure: Three to five layers of dead cells; appears transparent; present in thick skin, absent in most thin skin.
Function: Disperses Keratohyalin around keratin fibers

Stratum granulosum

Structure: Two to five layers of flattened, diamond-shaped cells.
Function: produces keratohyalin granules; lamellar bodies release lipids from cells; cells die

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Stratum Spinosum

Structure: A total of 8-10 layers of many-sided cells.
Function: Produces keratin fibers; lamellar bodies from inside keratinocytes

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Stratum Basale

Structure: Deepest stratum of the epidermis; single layer of cuboidal or columnar cells; basement membrane of the epidermis attaches to dermis.
Function: Produes cells of the most superficial strata; melanocytes produce and contribute melanin, which protects against ultraviolet light.

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Dermis

Structure: Deep part of skin; connective tissue composed of two layers.
Function: Is responsible for the structural strength and flexibility of the skin; the epidermis exchanges gases, nutrients, and waste products with blood vessels in the dermis.

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Papillary layer

Structure:Papillae project toward th epidermis; loose connective tissue.
Function: Brings blood vessels close to the epidermis; dermal papillae form fingerprints and footprints

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Reticular layer

Structure: Mat of collagen and elastic fibers; dense irregular connective tissue.
Function: Is the main fibrous layer of the dermis; strong in many directions; forms cleavage lines

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Subcutaneous tissue

Structure: NOT PART OF THE SKIN; loose connctive tissue with abundant deposits of adipose tissue.
Function: Attaches the dermis to underlying structures; adipose tissue provides energy storage, insulation, and padding;

blood vessels and nerves from the subcutaneous tissue supply the dermis.

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