Date: Friday 5th April
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Skin Function, microbiome to selected Infections.
Today we are going to look at skin function, including infections of the skin and within this
the function of the skin as an organ. To some extent the microbiome of the skin, followed by
some infections such as staphylococcal. There is a separate set of slides for staphylococcal, a
separate section will be recorded and uploaded onto Moodle.
Looking at the cost per US citizen for skin related diseases, showing diversity of indications –
image on slide. 1 in 4 individuals were seen with skin disease.
Skin structure and function
Skin is the largest organ in the body, it is important for our survival. Heterogenous skin
structure is devised from the ectoderm and mesoderm of an embryo giving rise to the
epidermis and dermis. It is supplied with collagen fibre, fat cells and muscles.
- Prickle cell layer
- Langerhans cells
- Sebaceous gland – protects the skin from infections, dysbiotic events etc.
Functions of the skin
- Support
- Temperature – thermos regulation from sweat glands
- Excretion – waste materials removed.
- Vitamin formation – photochemical on. Skin
- Sensory function – temp, pain and texture
- Pigmentation – Melanin pigments protect against UV rays.
- Protection – epidermis prevents absorption of dangerous materials.
Skin Structure (image)
Three main layers:
-Dermis
-Epidermis
-Subcutis
The thick skin has a thinner dermis, in comparison to the thinner skin. This is found in areas
where there is a lot of abrasion i.e. between the fingers. Location and displacement of an
organism from a natural niche from a different site may influence the biotic system.
Immunological defence
- Antigen presents to Langerhans cells.
- Ag presented to lymph glands.
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