Water loss through the epidermis could cause a serious threat to health and well-being. Which of the following protects us against excessive water loss through the skin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Glycolipids are secreted by keratinocytes into extracellular spaces and form a water-repellent barrier between cells, which helps to prevent excessive water loss through the skin. The dermis is not impermeable to water, and fat associated with the skin does not prevent water loss. While the size and shape of cells in the stratum spinosum as well as the thick bundles of intermediate filaments do provide some resistance to water loss, they are not as effective as the glycolipids in the barrier formed by keratinocytes.

Water Loss Through the Epidermis Could Cause a Serious Threat