Skin flora
Skin flora
Skin flora (pronounced: /skɪn flɔːrə/), also known as microbiota or microbiome, refers to the collection of microorganisms that reside on the surface of our skin. The term 'flora' comes from the Latin word 'flora' meaning 'goddess of flowers', and is used in this context to denote a 'population' or 'community'.
Etymology
The term 'flora' in 'skin flora' is derived from the Latin word 'flora', which refers to the goddess of flowers in Roman mythology. It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe the microorganisms that inhabit the human body. The term 'microbiota' is derived from the Greek words 'micro' (small) and 'bios' (life), and 'biome' is derived from the Greek word 'bios' (life) and the English word 'home'.
Composition
Skin flora is composed of a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites. The majority of these are bacteria, with the most common types being Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes, and Corynebacterium species.
Function
Skin flora plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the skin and the body as a whole. It helps to protect the skin from pathogenic microorganisms, modulates the skin's immune response, and contributes to the skin's barrier function.
Related terms
- Microbiome
- Microbiota
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Viruses
- Mites
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Propionibacterium acnes
- Corynebacterium
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Skin flora
- Wikipedia's article - Skin flora
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