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Anatomy & Physiology: Integumentary System and Body Membranes

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Terms in this set (21)

  • What are the four main types of body membranes?

    Epithelial membranes (cutaneous, mucous, serous) and connective tissue membranes (synovial membranes).

    Epithelial membranes contain an epithelial layer plus underlying connective tissue. Synovial membranes are connective tissue only - no epithelial covering.

  • What is the cutaneous membrane?
    The skin, a dry membrane composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and underlying dense connective tissue.
  • Where are mucous membranes found and what is their structure?

    Line body cavities open to the exterior; composed of epithelium (stratified squamous or simple columnar) over loose connective tissue. Digestive and respiratory passages.

  • What is the function of serous membranes and their structure?

    Line closed ventral body cavities and organ surfaces; have a simple squamous epithelium layer and underlying areolar connective tissue; occur in pairs with serous fluid between.

  • Name the three specific serous membranes and their locations.
    Peritoneum (abdominal cavity), pleura (around lungs), and pericardium (around heart).
  • What is the synovial membrane and its function?
    A connective tissue membrane lining joint capsules, bursae, and tendon sheaths; secretes lubricating synovial fluid.
  • Why is the skin classified as an organ?
    Because it contains multiple tissue types and performs vital functions like protection, temperature regulation, and vitamin D synthesis.
  • What are the two main layers of the skin?
    The epidermis (superficial, stratified squamous epithelium) and the dermis (deep, connective tissue with blood vessels and glands).
  • What is the hypodermis and its role?
    A subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis made of areolar and adipose tissue; binds skin to underlying organs and insulates the body.
  • List the five layers of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial.
    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (only in thick skin), and stratum corneum.
  • What is the function of melanocytes?
    Produce melanin pigment that protects skin cells from UV radiation by absorbing harmful rays.
  • What role do epidermal dendritic cells play?
    They alert and activate immune cells to bacterial or viral invasion.
  • What are Merkel cells and their function?
    Sensory cells in the epidermis associated with nerve endings; function as touch receptors.
  • How do dermal blood vessels help regulate body temperature?
    They dilate to release heat and constrict to conserve heat.
  • What determines skin color?
    Genetics controlling melanin production, environmental factors like sunlight, and physiological factors such as blood flow and β-carotene.
  • What are the main types of cutaneous glands?
    Sebaceous glands (secrete oily sebum) and sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine).
  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?
    Secrete sebum to keep skin and hair pliable, waterproof, and inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Differentiate between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
    Eccrine glands regulate body temperature and are widespread; apocrine glands activate at puberty and are associated with axillary and pubic hair.
  • Describe the structure of hair.
    Composed of hard keratinized epithelial cells; includes root (in follicle), bulb (base with mitotic cells), and shaft (visible dead portion).
  • What is the arrector pili muscle?
    A smooth muscle attached to hair follicles that causes hair to stand up, producing 'goose bumps.'
  • What are the main parts of a nail?
    Nail plate (dead keratinized cells), nail bed (epidermis and dermis), lunula (growing region), and cuticle.