Textbook Question
The disease pemphigus vulgaris involves a patient's own immune system attacking the desmosomes between the epithelial cells of the skin. What changes would you expect to see with this disease?
1
views
Ch. 5 The Integumentary System
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life38
- Ch. 3 The Cell55
- Ch. 4 Histology47
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System36
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System42
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart30
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity45
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Chapter 5, Problem L3.B5d
Many antiaging skin creams contain collagen and hyaluronic acid. Manufacturers claim that the collagen and hyaluronic acid applied to the surface of the skin will be absorbed into the dermis, where they will be incorporated into dermal tissue.
Predict the effectiveness of the creams.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of the skin: The skin consists of three main layers—epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis, the outermost layer, acts as a barrier to protect underlying tissues and is composed of tightly packed cells, including keratinocytes, which limit the penetration of large molecules.
Analyze the molecular size of collagen and hyaluronic acid: Collagen is a large protein, and hyaluronic acid is a large polysaccharide. Both have high molecular weights, making it difficult for them to penetrate the epidermis and reach the dermis.
Consider the role of the stratum corneum: The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and is composed of dead keratinized cells. It is highly effective at preventing the entry of large molecules, including collagen and hyaluronic acid, into deeper layers of the skin.
Evaluate the claims of manufacturers: While collagen and hyaluronic acid are essential components of the dermis, their topical application is unlikely to result in absorption into the dermis due to the skin's barrier properties. Instead, these creams may provide temporary hydration or a plumping effect on the surface of the skin.
Conclude the effectiveness: Based on the anatomy and physiology of the skin, the claims that collagen and hyaluronic acid in antiaging creams are absorbed into the dermis and incorporated into dermal tissue are not supported. Their primary benefit is likely limited to surface-level effects, such as moisturizing the skin.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Collagen
Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin. It is naturally produced by the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining skin firmness and hydration. However, when applied topically, collagen molecules are often too large to penetrate the skin barrier effectively, raising questions about the efficacy of collagen in anti-aging creams.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:54
Gross Anatomy of Bone: Periosteum and Endosteum Example 1
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps retain moisture in the skin, making it appear plump and hydrated. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is beneficial for skin hydration. While topical application can improve skin moisture levels, its ability to penetrate deeply into the dermis is limited, affecting its overall effectiveness in anti-aging products.
Recommended video:
02:45Acids
Skin Absorption
Skin absorption refers to the process by which substances penetrate the skin barrier and enter the underlying layers. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin, acts as a barrier to many large molecules, including proteins like collagen. Understanding the mechanisms of skin absorption is essential to evaluate the potential effectiveness of topical treatments, as many active ingredients may not reach the dermis where they are claimed to exert their effects.
Recommended video:
4:08Skin
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Many antiaging skin creams contain collagen and hyaluronic acid. Manufacturers claim that the collagen and hyaluronic acid applied to the surface of the skin will be absorbed into the dermis, where they will be incorporated into dermal tissue.
Predict whether or not these substances are likely to be absorbed by the epidermis.
1
views
Textbook Question
Another feature of CIPA is anhidrosis, or the inability to sweat. Explain why Maria's inability to produce sweat could potentially be life-threatening.
1
views
Textbook Question
After Ramon's skin came into contact with a poison ivy plant in biology lab, he developed a painful, itchy rash. However, after the skin of his colleague Cathy came into contact with snake venom in the lab, she developed no skin irritation. Poison ivy plants contain lipid-soluble oils, whereas snake venoms contain mostly water-soluble peptides. Explain why Ramon developed a rash, whereas Cathy did not.
5
views
Textbook Question
Many antiaging skin creams contain collagen and hyaluronic acid. Manufacturers claim that the collagen and hyaluronic acid applied to the surface of the skin will be absorbed into the dermis, where they will be incorporated into dermal tissue.
Are these substances polar or nonpolar?
1
views
Textbook Question
Nguyen comes to your clinic with a mole that has recently changed in appearance. You examine the mole and note that its borders are irregular, it has a deep blue-black color, and the color is unevenly distributed throughout the mole.
Nguyen tells you that she has used a tanning booth once per week for the past several years and that the tanning salon advertises it as safe. What do you tell her about the tanning salon's claim? How does any UV exposure affect keratinocytes and melanocytes? Explain.
2
views
1
rank