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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (30)

  • Another name for skin

    Integument

  • Functions of the skin

    Protection, regulation of body temperature, sensation, excretion, synthesis of vitamin D, and immune defense.

  • Layers of the skin

    Epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous layer).

  • Keratinocytes

    Cells in the epidermis that produce keratin, a protein that strengthens skin.

  • Melanocytes

    Cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color and protection against UV radiation.

  • Langerhans cells

    Macrophage-like cells in the epidermis involved in immune response.

  • Merkel cells

    Sensory cells in the epidermis that detect touch stimuli.

  • Layers of the epidermis

    From deep to superficial: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (only in thick skin), and stratum corneum.

  • Composition of the dermis

    Two layers: papillary layer (loose connective tissue) and reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue).

  • Fingerprints origin

    Derived from the patterns of the dermal papillae in the papillary layer of the dermis.

  • Striae

    Stretch marks caused by tearing of the dermis due to rapid stretching of skin.

  • Blisters

    Fluid-filled pockets between layers of skin caused by friction or burns.

  • Skin pigments

    Include melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin, which contribute to skin color.

  • Effects of sun exposure on skin

    Increased melanin production, potential DNA damage, premature aging, and risk of skin cancer.

  • Cyanosis

    Blue discoloration of skin due to low oxygen levels in blood.

  • Erythema

    Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow, often from inflammation or infection.

  • Pallor

    Paleness of the skin due to reduced blood flow or decreased red blood cells.

  • Jaundice

    Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin levels.

  • Eccrine glands

    Sweat glands that regulate body temperature by producing watery sweat; found all over the body.

  • Apocrine glands

    Sweat glands found in axillary and genital areas; produce thicker sweat that bacteria can metabolize, causing odor.

  • Sebaceous glands

    Oil glands that secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair.

  • Parts of a hair

    Shaft (visible part), root (below skin), bulb (base with growth cells), medulla, cortex, and cuticle.

  • Alopecia

    Hair loss or baldness.

  • Minoxidil

    Topical medication used to treat hair loss and promote regrowth.

  • Parts of a nail

    Nail matrix (growth area), cuticle (skin at nail base), and lunula (white crescent at nail base).

  • Hypodermis

    Subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis composed mainly of fat and connective tissue; provides insulation and cushioning.

  • Burn classification

    1st degree: affects epidermis; 2nd degree: affects epidermis and part of dermis; 3rd degree: full thickness burn affecting all skin layers.

  • Basal cell carcinoma

    Common skin cancer originating from basal cells in the stratum basale; usually slow growing and rarely metastasizes.

  • Squamous cell carcinoma

    Skin cancer arising from keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum; can metastasize if untreated.

  • Malignant melanoma

    Aggressive skin cancer originating from melanocytes; high risk of metastasis and low survival rate if untreated.