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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (27)

  • What are the two major parts of the integumentary system?
    1) Cutaneous membrane (epidermis and dermis) 2) Accessory structures (hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands)
  • What are the primary functions of the skin?
    Physical protection, immune response coordination, sensory information, excretion, thermoregulation, and storage of lipids.
  • What type of epithelium composes the epidermis?
    Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
  • Name the four main cell types found in the epidermis.
    Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans (dendritic) cells, and Merkel (tactile) cells.
  • What is the function of keratinocytes?
    Produce fibrous keratin, providing protective properties to the skin.
  • What pigment do melanocytes produce and what is its function?
    Melanin; it protects skin from UV radiation by absorbing it and forming sun shields around nuclei.
  • What are the layers of the epidermis in thin skin?
    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum.
  • What additional layer is found in thick skin epidermis?
    Stratum lucidum, located between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum.
  • Describe the stratum basale.
    Deepest epidermal layer; single layer of stem cells that actively divide and replace superficial keratinocytes.
  • What is the stratum spinosum characterized by?
    8-10 layers of keratinocytes with a spiny appearance; contains Langerhans cells.
  • What occurs in the stratum granulosum?
    Keratinocytes flatten, organelles disintegrate, and keratinization begins; cells above this layer die.
  • What is the role of the stratum corneum?
    Superficial layer of dead, keratinized cells that protect deeper layers and prevent water loss.
  • What pigments influence skin color?
    Carotene (yellow-orange) and melanin (red/yellow or brown/black).
  • How does blood flow affect skin color?
    Oxygenated hemoglobin gives a pinkish hue; low oxygen causes cyanosis, a bluish tint.
  • What is albinism?
    Inherited inability to produce melanin, resulting in lack of pigment in hair, eyes, and skin.
  • What is vitiligo?
    Partial or complete loss of melanocytes due to immune system malfunction, causing depigmented skin patches.
  • What are the two layers of the dermis?
    Papillary layer (areolar tissue with dermal papillae) and reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue).
  • What are friction ridges and their function?
    Epidermal ridges over dermal ridges that create fingerprints and contain sweat pores.
  • What is the hypodermis composed of and its function?
    Adipose and areolar connective tissue; stabilizes skin and stores ~80% of body fat.
  • What are the main functions of hair?
    Protects and insulates the scalp, guards openings against debris, and acts as a sensory receptor.
  • What are the three layers of the hair shaft?
    Medulla (core), cortex (intermediate), and cuticle (surface layer).
  • What is the arrector pili muscle?
    Smooth muscle attached to hair follicles; contraction causes hair to stand up (goosebumps).
  • What are the two types of sweat glands?
    Apocrine glands (secrete into hair follicles, produce odorous sweat) and eccrine glands (secrete onto skin surface, regulate temperature).
  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?
    Secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair, inhibit bacterial growth, and protect hair shafts.
  • What are the main parts of a nail?
    Nail body (visible plate), free edge (extends beyond finger), and nail root (production site).
  • How are burns classified by depth?
    First-degree: epidermis only; second-degree: epidermis and dermis; third-degree: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
  • What is the ABCD rule for melanoma detection?
    A: asymmetry, B: border irregularity, C: color variation, D: diameter larger than 6 mm.