The correct spelling of the word "epidermic cell" is actually "epidermal cell". The confusion may arise from the fact that "epidermis" (the outermost layer of skin) is spelled with an "I". However, in the case of the cells that make up this layer, "epidermal" is spelled with an "A". The IPA phonetic transcription for "epidermal" is /ˌɛpɪˈdɜːməl/, with stress on the second syllable. This emphasizes the "A" sound in the word.
Epidermic cell refers to a type of cell found in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. These cells play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and function of the skin and are responsible for its protective barrier function.
Epidermic cells are primarily flat, squamous, or cuboidal in shape, and they form multiple layers in the epidermis. They are joined together by specialized structures called desmosomes, ensuring the tight adhesion and strength of the skin.
These cells undergo a constant process of renewal through a mechanism known as cellular turnover. As new epidermic cells are generated in the deeper layers of the epidermis, older cells from the upper layers are eventually shed off from the skin surface. This renewal process helps to maintain a healthy and functioning skin barrier.
Epidermic cells also exhibit a specialized protein called keratin, which provides rigidity and strength to the skin. This protein gives the outermost layer of the epidermis its characteristic toughness, protecting the internal layers from external insults such as chemicals, pathogens, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Moreover, these cells are involved in other important functions, including the regulation of hydration levels, temperature regulation, immune response, sensation, and the synthesis of vitamin D upon exposure to sunlight. Overall, epidermic cells are fundamental in preserving the structure, function, and well-being of the skin.
One of the cells of the epidermis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "epidermic" is derived from the Greek word "epidermis", which means "outer skin" or "superficial skin layer". The word is a combination of two Greek words: "epi", meaning "upon" or "over", and "dermis", meaning "skin" or "hide".
Similarly, the term "epidermic cell" refers to a cell found in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin.