FAKULTAS KEDOKTERAN DAN ILMU KESEHATAN UNIVERSITAS BENGKULU 2023 The skin consists of morphologically and functionally dis- tinct subunits: epidermis, dermo- epidermal junction zone (basement membrane), dermis, and subcutis (Fig. 1).
2.1 Embryonic Development of the Skin
The vascular-free epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, is of ectodermal origin; the dermis and subcutis, including their vessels, are of mesodermal origin. During the embryonic period, the sweat glands and the hair follicles with the seba- ceous glands arise from the epidermal stem cells by invagi- nation. In approximately the second month the ectoderm differentiates into the cuboid basal layer and the outer flat periderm. As the embryo stretches in length, the cells divide and the epidermal cells migrate caudally into the vertebrae, corresponding to Blaschko’s lines. At birth, all cell layers of the epidermis are present. Detached scales and sebum com- bine to form the protective vernix caseosa. The primitive dermis is richer in cells than that of the adult, but relatively amorphous. At around the second month of embryonic life, the fibroblasts begin to produce collagen. Fatty tissue forms and islands of primitive endothe- lial cells develop, creating vessels with lumina. Nerves sprout into the dermis from about the fourth month onward. Intense interaction occurs between the epidermal and mesodermal parts: the dermoepidermal junction zone (basement membrane) appears in the first trimester; at the end of this period, all its elements are present. This is important for the prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects that manifest in this zone (hereditary epidermolysis). The skin appendages also develop in a close relationship between the invaginations of the epidermis and the dermal elements. Hair, sebaceous glands, and apocrine sweat glands are formed by the interaction of a sprouting epidermal cor- nice and a dermal papilla of specialized mesenchymal cells. Although apocrine glands are still widely distributed in fetal skin, their later occurrence is limited to smaller areas, such as the axillae and the genitoanal region. The hair follicle muscles between the hair follicle and the dermal connective tissue are of mesodermal origin. The nail units are apparent at around the third month, first at the fingertips, then at the toes. In addition to keratinocytes, the epidermis contains three other cell types: In addition to keratinocytes, the epidermis contains three other cell types: • The immunologically active dendritic Langerhans cells originate from the bone marrow. • The melanocytes responsible for pigment formation migrate from the neural crest into the epidermis. • The neuroendocrine (Merkel) cells probably also originate in the neural crest.
2.2 Epidermis and Skin Appendages (Adnexa)
The epidermis is constantly renewed; the mitotic dividing basal cells differentiate within 28 days to corneocytes, which consist mainly of keratin. Therefore, the epidermal cells are called keratinocytes. Histomorphologically, an even stratification exists, which leads from the stratum basale (stratum germinativum) via the stratum spinosum and the stratum granulosum to the stratum corneum. The control mechanisms of cell division in the basal cell layer and in the hair follicle that ensure a balance between the remaining divisive stem cells and differentiating cells are largely unclear. Epidermal adhesion is mediated primarily by desmosomes, which connect to the cyto- skeleton via transmembrane plaque proteins. The skin’s surface shows fine and coarse wrinkles, which are coarsened by chronic inflammation and rubbing, as well as light-related aging (lichenification). The lines on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet are genetically determined individually, and the fingerprints can be used for identification. The hair follicles develop complex epithelial mesenchymal structures. The fetal lanugo hairs develop into vellus and terminal hairs, whose cyclic growth is controlled by genetic and hormonal influences. The sebaceous glands are relatively large at birth owing to the effect of maternal hormones; after temporary involution, they increase again during puberty. The role of the apocrine glands is unclear. In some mammals, they secrete pheromones, which can influence social behavior via the olfactory system. In humans, apocrine glands are found in the axillae and in the genitoanal region. The eccrine sweat glands are mainly used for temperature regulation, whereby they are under neural control. Sweat secretion is triggered by heat, physical exertion, and emotional stress. Moist palms of the hands and soles of the feet increase the adhesion of the skin. The nails have a gripping function, protect the fingertips, and have a considerable aesthetic effect. Keratin is more densely packed than in hair and in the horny layer and therefore very resistant. The closest mucous membranes are also of dermatological interest, such as the oral mucosa, the genital mucosa, and the anal mucosa. They are nonhorny and have a damp, slimecovered surface. The skin color is essentially determined by the melanin of the epidermis, whereby a distinction is made between skin types I–VI according to skin color – and thus also sensitivity to light. Melanin is produced by the melanocytes and released into the surrounding keratinocytes via their dendrites. The quantity and distribution of melanin granules determine the skin color more than the number of melanocytes.
2.3 Dermo-epidermal Junction Zone
The connection between the dermis and the epidermis is extremely complex, as it must have high mechanical strength and elasticity on the one hand and guarantee the exchange of cells, metabolic products, and cytokines on the other. The components of the dermo-epidermal junction zone are pro- duced both by the fibroblasts of the dermis and by the basal keratinocytes. Dermis The dermal connective tissue consists mainly of bundles of collagen fibers and a network of elastic fibers, both formed by fibroblasts interspersed between them. The dermal connective tissue is loosely structured (stratum papillare) below the epidermis, in the interlocking zone between the epidermal rete pegs and the connective tissue papillae, and the coarser network of the stratum reticulare. From this mechanically very firm layer, leather is produced – from animal skins – hence the German term Lederhaut. The dermis is supplied by a complex arterial, venous, and lym- phatic vascular system, which serves to exchange water, metabolic products, messenger substances, and cells, and can react in an inflammatory manner to the defense of foreign organisms and antigens. Subcutis The subcutaneous fat serves as a protective cush- ion and energy reserve and prevents the loss of body heat. Subcutaneous fat tissue is also an important aesthetic factor owing to its contribution to the modeling of the body shape. Cartilage Cartilage occurs very close to the skin as supporting tissue in the auricle and in the nose. It is avascular; therefore, it heals badly after inflammation and injury.