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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the main functions of body membranes?
    Cover surfaces, line body cavities, form protective sheets around organs, and are often lubricated.
  • Name the two main types of body membranes.
    Epithelial membranes (cutaneous, mucous, serous) and connective tissue membranes (synovial).
  • What characterizes the cutaneous membrane?
    It is the skin, composed of a superficial stratified squamous epithelium and an underlying dense connective tissue dermis; it is a dry membrane exposed to air.
  • Where are mucous membranes found and what is their function?
    Line body cavities open to the exterior (respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive tracts); they are moist, secrete mucus, and are adapted for absorption and secretion.
  • Describe serous membranes and their function.
    Line body cavities closed to the exterior; consist of simple squamous epithelium resting on areolar connective tissue; occur in pairs with serous fluid between layers to reduce friction.
  • What is the role of synovial membranes?
    Line joint capsules, bursae, and tendon sheaths; composed of areolar connective tissue without epithelial cells; provide smooth surfaces and secrete lubricating fluid.
  • What is keratin and its role in the integumentary system?
    A fibrous protein that toughens and waterproofs the epidermis, making it a protective layer.
  • List the main functions of the skin.
    Protection, insulation, cushioning, heat regulation, excretion, protein manufacture for immunity, vitamin D synthesis, and housing sensory receptors.
  • What causes blister formation in the skin?
    Separation of the epidermis and dermis due to burn or friction allows interstitial fluid to accumulate, forming a blister.
  • Name the five layers (strata) of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial.
    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (only in thick skin), and stratum corneum.
  • What is the function of melanin in the skin?
    Melanin is a pigment produced in the stratum basale that protects DNA from UV radiation and determines skin color.
  • Describe the dermis and its components.
    Dense connective tissue layer beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels, collagen, elastic fibers, nerve endings, sweat and oil glands.
  • What is the papillary layer of the dermis?
    The upper dermis region with fingerlike projections called papillae containing capillary loops and sensory receptors; forms fingerprints.
  • What is the hypodermis and its function?
    A layer of adipose tissue beneath the dermis that anchors skin to underlying organs, acts as a shock absorber, and insulates against temperature changes.
  • What pigments contribute to skin color?
    Melanin (yellow to black), carotene (orange-yellow), and hemoglobin (red from oxygenated blood).
  • What are sebaceous glands and their function?
    Oil glands found everywhere except palms and soles; secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair and kill bacteria.
  • Differentiate between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
    Eccrine glands are numerous, produce watery sweat for temperature regulation; apocrine glands are in axillary/genital areas, produce milky sweat that causes odor.
  • What are the main parts of a hair follicle?
    Hair root (enclosed in follicle), hair shaft (projects from skin), hair bulb (base where melanin is produced).
  • What is the function of the arrector pili muscle?
    Smooth muscle attached to hair follicles that contracts to pull hair upright, causing 'goose bumps' when cold or frightened.
  • Describe the structure of a nail.
    A scalelike modification of the epidermis with a free edge, body (visible part), root (embedded in skin), cuticle, nail bed, nail matrix (growth area), and lunula (white crescent).