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Anatomy & Physiology: Skin and Body Membranes

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What are the main functions of body membranes?
    Body membranes cover body surfaces, line body cavities, and form protective sheets around organs.
  • What are the two main classifications of body membranes?
    Epithelial membranes and connective tissue membranes.
  • Name the three types of epithelial membranes.
    Cutaneous membranes (skin), mucous membranes, and serous membranes.
  • What is the cutaneous membrane composed of?
    Two layers: epidermis (keratinized stratified squamous epithelium) and dermis (mostly dense connective tissue).
  • Where are mucous membranes found and what is their function?
    Line body cavities open to the exterior; adapted for absorption or secretion.
  • What tissue types compose serous membranes and where are they found?
    Simple squamous epithelium and loose connective tissue; line closed body cavities.
  • Name the three specific serous membranes and their locations.
    Peritoneum (abdominal cavity), pleura (around lungs), pericardium (around heart).
  • What is the synovial membrane and its function?
    A connective tissue membrane lining fibrous capsules of joints; secretes lubricating synovial fluid.
  • What are the meninges?
    Connective tissue membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, providing protection within the dorsal cavity.
  • List the main functions of the skin (cutaneous membrane).
    Protects from mechanical, chemical, bacterial, thermal damage, desiccation, UV radiation; aids in heat regulation, secretion, and vitamin D synthesis.
  • What are the three main layers of the skin?
    Epidermis (outer), dermis (inner), and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue, not technically skin).
  • Describe the epidermis and its key features.
    Stratified squamous epithelium, keratinized to prevent water loss, avascular, mostly keratinocytes.
  • What are the five layers of the epidermis from superficial to deep?
    Stratum corneum, stratum lucidum (palms/soles only), stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale.
  • What is the role of melanocytes in the epidermis?
    Produce melanin pigment in the stratum basale, protecting DNA from UV damage.
  • What is the dermis composed of and its two layers?
    Dense connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers; papillary layer (upper) and reticular layer (deep).
  • What structures are found in the papillary layer of the dermis?
    Dermal papillae with pain receptors and Meissner's touch receptors; increase friction and grip.
  • What is found in the reticular layer of the dermis?
    Blood vessels, sweat and oil glands, deep pressure receptors (Pacinian corpuscles).
  • What are the two types of sweat glands and their differences?
    Eccrine glands open to skin surface, secrete sweat everywhere; apocrine glands open into hair follicles, found in armpits/genitals, secrete milky fluid.
  • What causes 'goose bumps'?
    Arrector pili muscles contract, pulling hair upright when cold or frightened.
  • What is the hypodermis and its function?
    Subcutaneous tissue beneath dermis, composed mostly of adipose tissue; anchors skin and provides insulation.
  • What determines normal skin color?
    Melanin (yellow to black pigment), carotene (orange-yellow pigment), and hemoglobin (red pigment in blood).
  • What are common alterations in skin color and their causes?
    Erythema (redness), pallor (pale), jaundice (yellowing), bruises (hematomas), cyanosis (bluish due to low oxygen).
  • What are the three degrees of burns and their characteristics?
    First-degree: epidermis damaged, red/swollen; second-degree: epidermis and upper dermis damaged, blisters; third-degree: entire skin layer destroyed, painless, requires grafting.
  • What is the Rule of Nines?
    A method to estimate burn area by dividing the body into 11 areas, each about 9% of total surface.
  • What are the critical criteria for burns?
    Over 25% second-degree burns, over 10% third-degree burns, or third-degree burns on face, hands, or feet.
  • Name common skin infections and their causes.
    Athlete's foot (fungal), boils/carbuncles (bacterial), cold sores (herpes virus), impetigo (bacterial), psoriasis (unknown cause).
  • What are the three main types of skin cancer?
    Basal cell carcinoma (least malignant), squamous cell carcinoma (can metastasize), malignant melanoma (most deadly).
  • What is the ABCD rule for detecting melanoma?
    A: Asymmetry, B: Border irregularity, C: Color variation, D: Diameter over 6 mm.
  • What are the dangers of indoor tanning?
    Increased risk of skin cancers, premature skin aging, cataracts, retinal damage, and UV-induced rashes.