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Anatomy & Physiology: Integumentary System High-Yield Flashcards

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  • What is the integument?
    The skin, which is the largest organ of the body.
  • What percentage of body weight does the skin represent?
    Approximately 16% of total body weight.
  • What are the two main parts of the integument?
    Cutaneous membrane (skin) and accessory structures (hair, nails, glands).
  • List the primary functions of the skin.
    Protection, temperature regulation, excretion, vitamin D production, sensation, and lipid storage.
  • What are the three main layers of the skin?
    Epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
  • What tissue type composes the epidermis?
    Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
  • Is the epidermis vascular or avascular?
    The epidermis is avascular (no blood vessels).
  • What is the main cell type in the epidermis?
    Keratinocytes, making up about 90% of epidermal cells.
  • How many layers does thin skin have?
    Thin skin has 4 layers.
  • How many layers does thick skin have and where is it found?
    Thick skin has 5 layers and is found on the palms and soles; it has no hair.
  • Name the epidermal layers from deep to superficial.
    Stratum basale → stratum spinosum → stratum granulosum → stratum lucidum → stratum corneum.
  • What is the function of the stratum basale?
    It is the site of mitosis (cell division) producing new skin cells.
  • Which special cells are found in the stratum basale?
    Melanocytes (pigment-producing) and Merkel cells (touch receptors).
  • What is a key feature of the stratum spinosum?
    Presence of desmosomes that create a spiny appearance.
  • Which immune cells are located in the stratum spinosum?
    Dendritic (Langerhans) cells that help with immune defense.
  • What happens in the stratum granulosum?
    Cells begin to die and start producing keratin.
  • Where is the stratum lucidum found?
    Only in thick skin such as palms and soles.
  • What composes the stratum corneum?
    Layers of dead keratinized cells that provide protection.
  • What is keratinization?
    The process of forming dead, keratin-filled protective cells in the epidermis.
  • What are the main pigments affecting skin color?
    Melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin.
  • What is the function of melanin?
    Provides UV protection by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
  • What determines skin color?
    The amount of melanin production, not the number of melanocytes.
  • What is cyanosis?
    A condition where the skin appears blue due to low oxygen levels.
  • What causes jaundice?
    Yellowing of the skin caused by liver issues.
  • What is vitiligo?
    Loss of melanocytes leading to white patches on the skin.
  • Where is vitamin D produced in the body?
    In the skin upon exposure to UV radiation.
  • What is the function of vitamin D?
    Helps with calcium absorption in the intestines.
  • What are the two layers of the dermis?
    Papillary layer (areolar connective tissue) and reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue).
  • What is the role of collagen fibers in the dermis?
    Provide strength to the skin.
  • What is the role of elastic fibers in the dermis?
    Allow the skin to stretch and recoil.
  • What do Meissner corpuscles detect?
    They detect light touch sensations.
  • What do Pacinian corpuscles detect?
    They detect deep pressure and vibration.
  • What is the function of the hypodermis?
    Stores fat and provides insulation.
  • Why is the hypodermis a common injection site?
    Because it is subcutaneous and has good blood supply.
  • What is the function of hair?
    Provides protection and insulation.
  • What does the arrector pili muscle do?
    Causes goosebumps by contracting and pulling hair upright.
  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?
    Produce sebum which lubricates skin and has antibacterial properties.
  • Where are apocrine sweat glands found and what do they do?
    Located in armpits and groin; they produce sweat that causes body odor.
  • What is the role of merocrine (eccrine) sweat glands?
    Found all over the body; they regulate body temperature by cooling through sweat.
  • What are nails made of?
    Composed of keratin.
  • Where do nails grow from?
    From the nail matrix.
  • What are the four phases of wound healing?
    Inflammation, migration, proliferation, and scarring.
  • What characterizes a 1st degree burn?
    Damage limited to the epidermis only.
  • What characterizes a 2nd degree burn?
    Damage to the epidermis and dermis with blisters.
  • What characterizes a 3rd degree burn?
    Destruction of all skin layers.
  • Which epidermal layer sheds dandruff?
    The stratum corneum.
  • Which epidermal layer is only found in thick skin?
    The stratum lucidum.
  • What effects can UV radiation have on skin?
    It can cause cancer and wrinkles.
  • Which glands control body temperature via sweat?
    The merocrine (eccrine) glands.