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Anatomy & Physiology: Integumentary System Structures

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  • Layers of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial

    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.

  • Function of the stratum corneum

    Contains dead cells filled with keratin that provide a protective barrier.

  • Role of melanocytes in the epidermis

    Produce melanin pigment to protect against UV radiation.

  • What are keratinocytes?

    The most abundant cells in the epidermis that produce keratin, a protective protein.

  • Function of lamellar granules in the epidermis

    Release lipids that help form a waterproof barrier in the skin.

  • What is the arrector pili muscle?

    A small muscle attached to hair follicles that causes hair to stand up, producing 'goosebumps'.

  • Components of a hair follicle

    Includes the hair bulb, hair papilla, hair matrix, inner and outer root sheaths.

  • Layers of the hair shaft

    From inside out: medulla, cortex, and cuticle.

  • Function of the sebaceous gland

    Secretes sebum (oil) to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.

  • What is the hypodermis composed of?

    Primarily adipose tissue that cushions and insulates the body.

  • Role of the eccrine sweat gland

    Produces sweat to help regulate body temperature through evaporation.

  • What is the function of the Pacinian corpuscle?

    A sensory receptor in the dermis that detects pressure and vibration.

  • Parts of the nail structure

    Includes the nail body, lunula, eponychium, proximal nail fold, and hyponychium.

  • What is the lunula?

    The visible, crescent-shaped whitish area at the base of the nail body.

  • Function of the eponychium

    Also called the cuticle; it protects the area between the nail and epidermis from infection.

  • What is the role of sensory nerve fibers in the skin?

    Transmit sensory information such as touch, pain, and temperature to the nervous system.

  • Difference between the dermis and epidermis

    The epidermis is the outer protective layer; the dermis contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and sensory receptors.

  • What is the hair matrix?

    The region of actively dividing cells in the hair bulb responsible for hair growth.

  • Function of the hair papilla

    Contains blood vessels that nourish the growing hair follicle.

  • What is the cuticle of the hair?

    The outermost layer of the hair shaft made of overlapping dead cells that protect the inner layers.