PathologyLesson 1 of 1 in the course Skin and Eye Infections

Skin Barriers, Skin Microbiota, and Eye Defenses and Inflammation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The skin is both a body covering and a major part of the innate immune system. Its layers and secretions help prevent microbes from entering deeper tissues, while its surface creates conditions that are unfavorable to many potential pathogens.

The two main layers of skin are the epidermis and the dermis. Beneath them is the hypodermis, a layer consisting of fibrous and adipose connective tissue.

All flashcards

What is the stratum corneum?
The outer surface of the epidermis, made primarily of dead, keratin-rich cells that form a barrier.
What is desquamation, and how can it help?
Desquamation is normal skin shedding; it can remove microbes attached to shed cells.
How can normal skin microbiota resist colonization by transient microbes?
Residents can compete for nutrients and space and produce antimicrobial substances.
How can sebum affect microbial growth?
Some sebum lipids inhibit microbes, while other compounds can provide nutrients for particular microorganisms.
What role do mucins play in eye defense?
They help clear microbes from the eye surface with tear fluid.

Quiz questions

  1. Which bacterial groups are commonly found on moist skin regions?Answer: Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus
  2. What is an opportunistic pathogen?Answer: A microorganism that can cause disease when conditions favor it.
  3. Which can cause conjunctivitis without an infection?Answer: An allergen irritating the conjunctiva
  4. What is the usual microbiological status of the protected vitreous humor?Answer: It is almost always sterile.
  5. What does the term abscess describe?Answer: A localized collection of pus

Based on Microbiology by Nina Parker, Mark Schneegurt, Anh-Hue Thi Tu, Philip Lister, Brian M. Forster (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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