Glabrous skin

Definition

Glabrous skin refers to hairless regions of the body that are characterized by a smooth, hair-free surface. This type of skin is found in areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, where it serves critical functions in touch sensitivity and protection against environmental factors. The unique structure of glabrous skin allows for a higher density of sensory receptors, which play an important role in somatosensation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glabrous skin has a thicker epidermis than hairy skin, providing better protection against abrasion and injury.
2. This type of skin is rich in Meissner's corpuscles, which are specialized mechanoreceptors that detect light touch and vibration.
3. Unlike hairy skin, glabrous skin lacks sebaceous glands, which means it does not produce oil and can become dry more easily.
4. The presence of sweat glands in glabrous skin helps in thermoregulation and enhances grip on surfaces when hands or feet are sweaty.
5. Glabrous skin is crucial for fine tactile discrimination, allowing individuals to detect subtle differences in texture and pressure.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of glabrous skin contribute to its sensory functions?
  • The structure of glabrous skin includes a thicker epidermis and a high density of mechanoreceptors, such as Meissner's corpuscles. These adaptations allow for enhanced sensitivity to touch and texture. The lack of hair follicles also means that stimuli can be detected more directly by the sensory receptors without interference, making glabrous skin particularly effective for fine tactile discrimination.
• What role do the sweat glands in glabrous skin play in everyday activities?
  • Sweat glands in glabrous skin serve multiple important functions. They help with thermoregulation by releasing sweat to cool the body during heat exposure. Additionally, when hands or feet perspire, the moisture increases friction against surfaces, improving grip. This feature is especially beneficial for tasks that require precision and control, like holding objects or maintaining balance.
• Evaluate how the absence of hair follicles in glabrous skin affects its interaction with environmental stimuli compared to hairy skin.
  • The absence of hair follicles in glabrous skin allows for a more direct interaction with environmental stimuli. Unlike hairy skin, where the presence of hair can cause slight movement or disturbances that may mask subtle sensations, glabrous skin is free from this interference. This results in enhanced sensitivity to touch, pressure, and vibration. Consequently, areas like the palms and soles can detect finer details about surfaces they come into contact with, making them critical for tasks that require detailed tactile feedback.

Related terms

Somatosensation: The process by which the body perceives various stimuli through the skin, including touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception.

Mechanoreceptors: Sensory receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion, playing a key role in detecting touch and texture in glabrous skin.

Dermis: The thick layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and sensory receptors, contributing to the overall function of glabrous skin.