Adipocyte
AnatomicalStructureAdipocytes are energy‑storing endocrine cells that release fatty acids and adipokines to regulate metabolism, inflammation, and whole‑body metabolic health.
Anatomical Structure
30 entities in this category
Explore the Science of Anatomical Structures
-
-
Corneocyte
AnatomicalStructureFlattened, protein-rich cells forming the 'bricks' of the skin barrier, embedded in a lipid matrix that acts as 'mortar'.
-
Cornified Envelope
AnatomicalStructureThe insoluble, covalently crosslinked protein shell that forms the structural core of the corneocyte, assembled in four sequential stages from involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin, loricrin, and SPRRs.
-
Dermal Papilla
AnatomicalStructureA compact cluster of specialised fibroblasts at the base of each hair follicle that directs the hair growth cycle through paracrine signalling.
-
Dermis
AnatomicalStructureThe structural layer beneath the epidermis, containing fibroblasts, collagen, elastin, and the ground substance that together determine skin firmness, elasticity, and resilience.
-
Epidermis
AnatomicalStructureThe skin's outer cellular layer, containing both the stratum corneum barrier and the keratinocyte differentiation programme that builds it.
-
Facial skin
AnatomicalStructureThe specialised integument covering the face, distinguished by regional thickness variations, high sebaceous gland density, rich superficial vascular plexus, and susceptibility to photoageing.
-
Fibroblast
AnatomicalStructureDermal connective tissue cells that synthesise collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and the broader extracellular matrix.
-
Hair follicle
AnatomicalStructureComplex miniature organs embedded in the dermis and subcutis that cycle through growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen) phases throughout life.
-
Keratinocyte
AnatomicalStructureThe predominant cell type of the epidermis, produced in the basal layer and progressively differentiating through epidermal strata to become the corneocytes that form the stratum corneum barrier.
-
Lip
AnatomicalStructureThe lip is the most dynamically expressive structure in the lower face and among the earliest to register the visual signs of ageing.
-
Mast cell
AnatomicalStructureDermal sentinel immune cells that detect allergens, proteases, and neuropeptides and release waves of mediators that shape inflammation, itch, and barrier dysfunction.
-
Melanocyte
AnatomicalStructureDendritic pigment-producing cells of the basal epidermis, responsible for melanin synthesis and UV photoprotection
-
Mitochondria
AnatomicalStructureMitochondria are the energy‑producing organelles in virtually all skin cells; their integrity strongly influences ageing, barrier function, pigmentation.
-
Natural moisturising factor
AnatomicalStructureA mixture of hygroscopic compounds within corneocytes that binds water inside the stratum corneum. Predominantly derived from filaggrin degradation.
-
Papillary dermis
AnatomicalStructureThe uppermost zone of the dermis, sitting directly beneath the epidermis.
-
Pilosebaceous Unit
AnatomicalStructureThe pilosebaceous unit is the functional skin structure comprising a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle.
-
Platelet
AnatomicalStructureSmall anucleate cell fragments produced by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, circulating in blood for seven to ten days before natural clearance.
-
Reticular dermis
AnatomicalStructureThe deeper, thicker layer of the dermis, composed of dense Type I collagen bundles, thick elastic fibres, and ground substance.
-
Scalp
AnatomicalStructureDistinct tissue where hair follicles reside, with different characteristics than facial skin requiring adjusted treatment approaches.
-
Sebaceous gland
AnatomicalStructureHolocrine secretory glands distributed across most body skin, embedded in the dermis and typically connected to a hair follicle as part of the pilosebaceous unit.
-
Sebocyte
AnatomicalStructureThe lipid-producing cells of the sebaceous gland, responsible for synthesising and secreting the components of sebum.
-
Skin
AnatomicalStructureThe body's largest organ, comprising epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Barrier function, structural integrity, and cellular renewal all decline through distinct but interacting mechanisms.
-
Stratum basale
AnatomicalStructureThe deepest viable epidermal layer, anchored to the dermis via the basement membrane zone, housing the keratinocyte stem cell population that feeds the entire differentiation programme above it.
-
Stratum corneum
AnatomicalStructureThe outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of 15–20 layers of anucleate corneocytes embedded in a structured lipid matrix. Functions as the primary permeability barrier.
-
Stratum granulosum
AnatomicalStructureThe stratum granulosum is the granular layer of the viable epidermis immediately beneath the stratum corneum, where keratinocytes complete terminal differentiation.
-
Stratum spinosum
AnatomicalStructureThe stratum spinosum is the epidermal layer where strong desmosomal junctions form, keratinocytes begin differentiation, and Langerhans cells survey for antigens.
-
Subcutaneous tissue
AnatomicalStructureMetabolically active deepest skin layer whose ageing drives inflammageing through adipocyte senescence. Target of cryolipolysis, cavitation, HIEMT, RF, and injection lipolysis.
-
Tight Junction
AnatomicalStructureTight junctions are intercellular protein complexes that form continuous belt-like seals at cell–cell contacts in epithelial tissues.
-
Vermilion border
AnatomicalStructureThe red-coloured portion of lips, uniquely vulnerable due to thin barrier, absent sebum production, and minimal melanin.