1. Structure and Function of the
Skin
Dr Robert Paver
Dermatologist
Medical Director
Skin and Cancer Foundation Westmead

2. Structure and Function of the Skin

3. Structure and Function of the Skin

4. Structure and Function of the Skin

5. Structure and Function of the Skin

6. Structure and Function of the Skin
Stratum Corneum –
Keratin is produced by
the epidermal cells as
they move upwards
from the basal layer
Protection, fluid
conservation, UV

7. Structure and Function of the Skin
Epidermis –
keratinocytes produce
the keratin which
forms the stratum
corneum
protection, replication

8. Structure and Function of the Skin
Dermis- papillary
dermis is a thin layer of
loose collagen beneath
the epidermal basal
layer.
Reticular dermis is thick
strong collagen
strength and support
structure

9. Structure and Function of the Skin
Subcutaneous fat – cushioning and
thermoregulation
Appendages:
Hair- touch, protection, cosmetic,
thermoregulation
Sebaceous glands- moisturizing
grease
Eccrine glands- Sweat produced
for thermoregulation
Apocrine glands- uncertain ?
vestigial sexual

10. Structure and Function of the Skin
Specialized cells:
melanocytes - UV protection
langerhans cells –immune surveillance
merkel cells, meiseners corpuscles,
pacinian corpuscles, nerve endings –
sensory input
Blood vessels –nourishment
Lymphatics- fluid drainage

11. References
Australasian College of Dermatologists
Online Student Teaching Modules
Images and Explanations of all skin diseases
www.dermnetnz.org
Lecture Notes on Dermatology (Brown and
Burns) Blackwell Publishing
Skin Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
(Habif) Elsevier Mosby Publishing

12. The End