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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What are the main components of the integumentary system?
    The integumentary system includes skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, oil glands, and mammary glands.
  • What are the primary functions of the integumentary system?
    Physical protection, regulation of body temperature, excretion, nutrition (vitamin D synthesis), sensation, and immune defense.
  • What are the two main layers of the skin?
    The skin consists of the epidermis (stratified squamous epithelium) and the dermis (underlying connective tissue).
  • What lies beneath the dermis?
    The subcutaneous layer (hypodermis), composed mainly of loose connective tissue and fat.
  • Name the four main cell types found in the epidermis.
    Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans cells.
  • What is the role of keratinocytes?
    They are the most abundant epidermal cells and produce keratin, a protective protein.
  • What is the function of melanocytes?
    Melanocytes produce melanin pigment which protects against UV radiation.
  • What are Merkel cells responsible for?
    Merkel cells function as sensory receptors for touch.
  • What role do Langerhans cells play in the skin?
    They act as fixed macrophages involved in immune defense.
  • List the five layers of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial.
    Stratum germinativum (basale), stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (only in thick skin), and stratum corneum.
  • What is the characteristic of the stratum germinativum?
    It is the innermost basal layer attached to the basal lamina, containing stem cells, melanocytes, and Merkel cells.
  • Describe the stratum spinosum.
    Keratinocytes are bound by desmosomes, and Langerhans cells and melanocytes are often present.
  • What happens in the stratum granulosum?
    Keratinocytes produce keratohyalin and keratin, and cells become thinner and flatter.
  • Where is the stratum lucidum found and what is its appearance?
    Found only in thick skin, it appears as a glassy layer.
  • What are the features of the stratum corneum?
    It consists of multiple layers of flattened, dead keratinocytes, is water-resistant but not waterproof.
  • What are epidermal ridges and their function?
    Epidermal ridges are projections of the epidermis that increase surface area for attachment and enhance grip.
  • What are the two layers of the dermis?
    The papillary layer (nourishes and supports epidermis) and the reticular layer (provides strength and elasticity).
  • What structures are found in the papillary layer of the dermis?
    Contains capillary loops, sensory neurons, and loose connective tissue.
  • What is the function of the reticular layer of the dermis?
    It restricts spread of pathogens, stores lipids, attaches skin to deeper tissues, and contains sensory receptors.
  • What are the main accessory structures of the integumentary system?
    Hair follicles, hair, exocrine glands (sweat and sebaceous glands), and nails.
  • What is the hair follicle and its function?
    The hair follicle is the organ that produces hair, a nonliving keratinized structure.
  • Describe the hair growth cycle phases.
    Includes active growth phase (2-5 years), regression, resting phase, and reactivation.
  • What are the types of sweat glands?
    Eccrine (merocrine) glands produce watery sweat for thermoregulation, and apocrine glands produce a thicker secretion in specific areas.
  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?
    They secrete sebum to lubricate and protect the skin and hair.
  • What changes occur in the integumentary system with aging?
    Includes thinner epidermis, fewer melanocytes, reduced sweat gland activity, decreased blood supply, and thinner dermis.