SKIN, SUPERFICIAL AND DEEP FASCIA

• Properties of the 2 layers of the skin ("the great wrapper/insulator"):

• The 5 layers of the epidermis:

1. stratum basale (= germinativum)

2. stratum spinosum

3 stratum granulosum

4. stratum lucidum

5. stratum corneum

• Mindless pneumonic: Barabara Streisand's Grammy Looks Cool



• The 10 primary functions of the skin:

1. Protection from the elements, trauma, etc. Stratum Corneum

2. Prevents desiccation Stratum Corneum

3. Waterproofs body St. Corneum, Sebaceous glands

4. Barrier to disease organisms Stratum Corneum

5. Temprature regulation Epidermis - Hypodermis

Sweat and Sebaceous glands, Hair

6. Ultraviolet light protection Melanocytes (St. Germinativum)

7. Vitamin D production St. Germinativum + St. Spinosum

8. Excretion (Water, Fat + catabolic wastes) Sweat glands

9. Milk production Mammary glands

10. Sensation: Pain Free nerve endings

Cold Krause's end bulbs

Warmth Ruffini's terminal cylinders

Pressure Meissner's tactile corpuscles and

Pacinian lamella corpuscles

• The 5 primary components of the superficial fascia = hypodermis! (loose irregular areolar connective tissue):

1. Fibroblasts

2. Collagen Fibers

3. Elastic Fibers

4. Tissue Fluid

5. Fat (fluid at body temperature!)

• Major Fact: in contrast to the overlying dermis and the underlying deep fascia, the superficial fascia may be distinguished by the presents of fat = adipose tissue!





• 4 fun-filled facts to know about the deep fascia = epimysium:

1. It is composed of dense regular connective tissue with flattened parallel fiber bundles.

2. Its primary function is to act as a "sleeve" for skeletal muscles.

3. It is best developed in the back, limbs and neck, and is filmy over the trunk muscles so as not to impede breathing!

4. It gives rise to intermuscular septae and retinaculae.