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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (23)

  • What are the two main layers of the skin?
    Epidermis (outermost protective shield) and Dermis (underlies epidermis and makes up bulk of skin).
  • Name the five layers of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial.
    Stratum basale, Stratum spinosum, Stratum granulosum, Stratum lucidum, Stratum corneum.
  • What is the function of the stratum basale?
    Deepest epidermal layer; single row of mitotic stem cells that produce daughter cells; firmly attached to dermis.
  • Describe the stratum spinosum.
    Several cell layers thick; keratinocytes with pre-keratin filaments attached to desmosomes; contains melanosomes and dendritic cells.
  • What happens in the stratum granulosum?
    Cells become flattened; keratinization begins; cells above this layer die.
  • What characterizes the stratum corneum?
    20–30 rows of flat, dead, keratinized cells; accounts for 3/4 of epidermal thickness; cells still protect despite being dead.
  • What are the two layers of the dermis?
    Papillary dermis (areolar connective tissue with dermal papillae) and Reticular dermis (dense irregular connective tissue).
  • What are dermal papillae and their function?
    Fingerlike projections of dermis into epidermis; form friction ridges that enhance grip and sense of touch.
  • What causes stretch marks (striae)?
    Extreme stretching of skin causing dermal tears and silvery white scars.
  • What pigment is made in the skin and protects keratinocyte DNA from UV damage?
    Melanin, produced by melanocytes and packaged into melanosomes.
  • What are the other pigments affecting skin color besides melanin?
    Carotene (yellow-orange pigment) and Hemoglobin (pinkish hue in fair skin).
  • What are some clinical signs indicated by skin color changes?
    Cyanosis (blue, low oxygen), pallor (pale, stress or anemia), erythema (red, inflammation), jaundice (yellow, liver disorder), bruises (blood leakage).
  • List the main functions of hair.
    Senses insects, protects head from trauma, prevents heat loss, shields skin from sunlight, eyelashes protect eyes, nose hairs filter air.
  • What can nail appearance indicate?
    Yellow nails may indicate respiratory or thyroid issues; spoon nails suggest iron deficiency; Beau's lines indicate severe illness.
  • What are the two main types of sweat glands?
    Eccrine glands (thermoregulation, all skin except nipples/genitalia) and Apocrine glands (axillary and anogenital, milky sweat, start at puberty).
  • Describe eccrine sweat glands.
    Most numerous; abundant on palms, soles, forehead; ducts open to skin surface; secrete sweat with pH 4-6 for thermoregulation.
  • Describe apocrine sweat glands.
    Located in axillary and anogenital areas; secrete viscous, milky sweat with fatty substances; ducts empty into hair follicles; active at puberty.
  • What are sebaceous glands and their function?
    Oil glands associated with hair follicles; secrete sebum that softens hair and skin and has bactericidal properties; stimulated by androgens.
  • List the major functions of the skin.
    Protection (chemical, physical, biological barriers), temperature regulation, cutaneous sensation, metabolic functions, blood reservoir, excretion.
  • What are the three major types of skin cancer?
    Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
  • What is the 'rule of nines' in burn treatment?
    Body divided into 11 sections each representing 9% of body surface area to estimate fluid loss from burns.
  • When are burns considered critical?
    If >25% of body has second-degree burns, >10% has third-degree burns, or face/hands/feet have third-degree burns.
  • What are common treatments for severe burns?
    Debridement, antibiotics, temporary coverings, and skin grafts.