I. Introduction
II. Main functions for homeostasis
A. Serving as a barrier
1. Microorganisms
2. Chemicals
3. Water
4. Light
5. Trauma
B. Providing information
C. Temperature regulation
D. Vitamin D production
III. The epidermis - components and functions
A. Keratin and keratinocytes
B. Melanin and melanocytes
C. Immune function and Langerhans cells
IV. Age changes in the epidermis
A. Keratin and keratinocytes
1. Thickness
2. Structure
3. Replacement
B. Melanin and melanocytes
C. Immune function and Langerhans cells
V. Epidermal accessory structures - components and age changes
A. Hair - formation and functions
B. Age changes in hair
C. Nails - formation and functions
D. Age changes in nails
VI. Dermis
A. Foundation material
1. Fibers
2. Cells
a. Fibroblasts
b. Defense cells
3. Gel
4. Age changes
in the foundation material
B. Blood vessels - structure and functions
C. Age changes in dermal vessels
D. Sweat glands - structure and functions
1. Types
2. Age changes
in sweat glands
E. Sebaceous glands - structure and functions
1. Sebum
2. Age changes
in sebaceous glands
F. Nerves
1. Sensory neurons
2. Motor neurons
3. Age changes
in sensory neurons
a. Numbers and functioning
b. Significance
4. Age changes
in motor neurons
VII. Boundary between epidermis and dermis
A. Structure and functions
B. Age changes in the epidermal-dermal boundary
VIII. Vitamin D production
A. Normal vitamin D production
B. Age changes in vitamin D production
IX. Subcutaneous layer - structure and functions
A. Loose connective tissue
B. Fat tissue
C. Age changes in the subcutaneous layer
X. Miscellaneous cosmetic changes
XI. Abnormal changes
A. Reasons
B. Effects of sunlight
1. Cells
2. Fibers
3. Glands
4. Prevention
5. Treatment
C. Effects from heat
D. Bedsores
1. Causes
2. Effects
3. Prevention
E. Neoplasms
1. Contributing
factors
2. Benign skin
neoplasms - types and effects
3. Malignant
skin neoplasms - types and effects
Return to Main Index
©Copyright 1999 - Augustine G. DiGiovanna - All rights reserved.
This material may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any
means, or stored in any data base or retrieval system ONLY under one of
the following two conditions: (1) If no individual, group, organization,
institution, company, corporation or other entity is charged for its use
and only for use by instructors and students in courses where students
are required to purchase the book HUMAN AGING: BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
by Augustine G. DiGiovanna, The McGraw-Hill Companies, New York, 1994 or
2000; (2) If prior written permission is obtained from Augustine G. DiGiovanna.