The skin

The skin

1. Melanocytes

   • Not attached to the adjacent keratinocytes by desmosomes-bound to basal lamina hemidesmosomes
   • Colour of skin according to:
     • content of melanin and carotene
       • melanin= synthesised in melanocytes, with tyrosinase playing an NB role in the process
     • number of blood vessels in the dermis
     • color of the blood flowing in them
   • Eumelanin is dark brown pigment produced by melanocytes
     • Red hair= pheomelanin and contains cysteine as part of its structure
   • found beneath pr between cells of the stratum basale and in the hair follicles

2. Langerhans Cells

   • bone marrow derived marcophages -can bind, process and present antigens to T lyphocytes
   • Role in immunological skin reactions
   • Star shaped -mainly found in stratum spinosum
   • SALT (Skin Associated Lymphoid Tissue

3. Merkel's Cells

   • Present in thick skin of palms and soles
   • Free nerve endings at base of cells
   • Act as sensory mechanoreceptors / relate to the diffuse neuroendocrine system