Login

Why are skin epithelial cells arranged in many layers.plz answer

Dear student,                                                                                                                                                                                                          
​Please find below the solution to the asked query        

The epithelial cells under skin are arranged in layers in order to provide protection to the underlying organs. The skin proper is composed of two layers:

  • Epidermis: The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, which is formed by stratified squamous epithelium layers, which are arranged in horizontal layers. It is considered to be a lifeless tissue as it lacks any blood vessels. The epidermis contains keratin, which makes it tough. The epidermis is made up of three sub-layers, which are:
  1. Outermost cornified layer (stratum corneum) - This layer is made up of dead cells containing keratin. This layer forms a tough outer covering. The cells in these layers get worn out and are continuously replaced.
  2. Granular layer- It consists of flattened living cells and replaces the cornified layer when its cells get worn out.
  3. Malpighian layer − It is the innermost layer of the epidermis. Cells in this layer are continuously dividing. This layer contains the pigment melanin, which determines the skin colour.
  • Dermis: It lies below the epidermis and is thicker than the epidermis. The dermis has two main layers − the papillary layer consisting of dermal papillae and the reticulate layer. This layer consists of elastic connective tissue, blood vessels, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles. The dermis also has specialised cells called fibroblasts, which help in the production of collagen and elastin fibres.

Hope this information will clear your doubts about the topic.  
If you have any more doubts just ask here on the forum and our experts will try to help you out as soon as possible.          

Regards                                                              

  • 2
View Full Answer

Epithelium (epi- + thele + -ium) is one of the four basic types of animal tissue. The other three types are connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of blood vessels and organs throughout the body.

There are three principal shapes of epithelial cells: squamous, columnar, and cuboidal. These can be arranged in a single layer of cells as simple epithelium, either squamous, columnar or cuboidal, or in layers of two or more cells deep as stratified (layered), either squamous, columnar or cuboidal. All glands are made up of epithelial cells. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective absorption, protection, transcellular transport, and sensing.

Epithelial layers contain no blood vessels, so they must receive nourishment via diffusion of substances from the underlying connective tissue, through the basement membrane.[1][2]

  • 3
for protection
  • -1
What are you looking for?