The Structure and Function of Skin, Third Edition is devoted to all matters pertaining to the structure and function of the skin. Drawing upon the accumulated data derived from embryology, histology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, this book presents an overview of skin, with emphasis on human skin. Topics range from the biological functions of the dermis to the histochemical and microchemical properties of the epidermis; the effects of protein deficiency on hair growth; cutaneous innervation; nail regeneration and growth; sebaceous glands; and eccrine sweat glands. This book is organized into 12 chapters and begins with an overview of the structure and function of skin, and then discusses the epidermis and its structural features. Special consideration is given to the life cycle of epidermal cells; the properties and function of stratum corneum; and other cells in the epidermis including melanocytes, the cells of Langerhans, and Merkel cells. The chapters that follow focus on age-related changes in the dermis, cutaneous blood flow, changes in skin circulation, and the dermal nerve network. The book also considers hair growth and differentiation; the effects of malnutrition on the morphology of hair roots; and the structure and development of the nails. A chapter describing the cytochemistry and pharmacology of eccrine sweat glands concludes the book. This book is written primarily for dermatologists, whether seasoned veterans or neophytes, and will also be useful to all biologists who are interested in biomedical disciplines.

Table of Contents:
PrefaceIntroductionChapter 1. An Introduction to Skin Text ReferencesChapter 2. The Epidermis I. Structural Features II. Histochemical and Microchemical Properties III. Development IV. Life Cycle of Epidermal Cells (Keratinocytes) V. Properties and Function of Stratum Corneum ReferencesChapter 3. Other Cells in the Epidermis I. Melanocytes I. The Cells of Langerhans III. Merkel CellsChapter 4. The Dermis I. General Considerations II. Dermal Components III. Cellular Components IV. Age Changes in the Dermis V. Biological Functions ReferencesChapter 5. Blood Supply I. Introduction II. The Vascular Patterns III. Arteriovenous Anastomoses (AVA) or Shunts IV. Cutaneous Blood Flow and Its Significance V. Changes in Skin Circulation VI. The Lymphatic System ReferencesChapter 6. Cutaneous Innervation I. Effector Cutaneous Nerves II. The Sensory or Afferent Nerves III. The Dermal Nerve Network IV. Intra epidermal Neuntes V. Mucocutaneous End Organs VI. Meissner Corpuscles VII. Vater-Pacini Corpuscles VIII. Comments ReferencesChapter 7. The Pilary Apparatus I. Introduction II. Development III. Hair Cycle IV. Hair Growth in Man V. Vascularity VI. Innervation VII. Pigmentation VIII. Keratinization IX. Factors That Influence Growth X. Alopecia ReferencesChapter 8. Effects of Malnutrition on the Morphology of Hair Roots I. Introduction II. Protein Synthesis in the Follicle III. Changes in the Hair Shaft IV. Changes in Hair Roots ReferencesChapter 9. Nails I. Introduction II. Structure III. Development IV. Formation of the Nail Plate V. Keratinization VI. Other Cell Types in the Nail VII. Regeneration and Growth ReferencesChapter 10. Sebaceous Glands I. Introduction II. Development III. The Structure IV. Growth and Proliferation V. Sebaceous Secretion VI. Hormonal Control VII. Receptor Proteins for Dihydrotestosterone in Sebaceous Glands VIII. Lipids IX. Enzyme Systems X. Innervation XI. Function of Sebum XII. The Problem of Acne Vulgaris ReferencesChapter 11. Apocrine Glands I. Introduction II. Development III. Structure of the Gland IV. The Secretory Coil V. Myoepithelial Cells VI. The Structure of the Duct VII. Lipids VIII. Iron IX. Miscellaneous Histochemical Properties X. Secretory Process XI Composition of Apocrine Secretion XII. Pharmacological Responses of Apocrine Sweat Glands XIII. The Phylogeny of Sweat Glands ReferencesChapter 12. Eccrine Sweat Glands I. Introduction II. Development III. Blood Supply IV. Structural Features V. Ultrastructure VI. The Duct VII. Cytochemistry VIII. Pharmacology IX. Factors That Influence the Responsiviness of the Sweat Gland to Cholinergic Drugs X. Repeated Injections of Cholinergic Drugs XI. Arterial Occlusion XII. Handedness XIII. Effects of Cholinergic Drugs in Vitro XIV. Secretory Activity Stimulated by Cholinergic Drugs XV. Adregenic Stimulation of Sweating XVI. Effects of Epinephrine in Vitro XVII. Possible Mechanisms of Adrenergic Sweating XVIII. Comments ReferencesAuthor IndexSubject Index