title: The microanatomy of the epidermis in relation to trauma.
abstract: A description has been given of those particular microanatomical features of the epidermis which are responsible for its mechanical stability--in particular half desmosomes, the desmosome tonofilament complex and interlocking squames. The functions of these structures have been illustrated by experiments which expose the skin to suction, friction and enzymatic digestion.
authors.affiliation: MRC Unit on the Experimental Pathology of the Skin, Medical School, University of Birmingham.
authors.forename: C N D
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Cruickshank
mesh_terms: D001768:Blister / Q000473:pathology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010447:Peptide Hydrolases