Stratum
Stratum
Stratum (pronounced: /ˈstreɪtəm/), is a term used in various fields, including medicine, geology, and biology. The term originates from the Latin word 'stratum', meaning 'a spread for a bed, coverlet, quilt, blanket,' also 'bed, bedding, mattress,' originally 'that which is spread out.'
In the medical field, 'stratum' refers to a layer or a series of layers of cells. The skin, for example, is composed of three primary layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. Each of these layers can be further divided into strata.
Medical Usage
In dermatology, the term 'stratum' is used to describe the various layers of the skin. The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is divided into five strata: the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. Each stratum has a specific function and structure.
The stratum basale, for example, is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is responsible for the production of new skin cells. The stratum corneum, on the other hand, is the outermost layer of the epidermis and serves as the body's primary barrier against environmental damage.
Related Terms
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, which is divided into several strata.
- Dermis: The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, which contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
- Hypodermis: The deepest layer of the skin, which is primarily composed of fat and connective tissue.
- Stratum Basale: The deepest layer of the epidermis, responsible for the production of new skin cells.
- Stratum Corneum: The outermost layer of the epidermis, which serves as the body's primary barrier against environmental damage.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stratum
- Wikipedia's article - Stratum
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