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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (22)

  • What are the two major parts of the integumentary system?
    The integumentary system consists of the cutaneous membrane (skin) and accessory structures such as hair, exocrine glands, and nails.
  • What are the layers of the cutaneous membrane?
    The cutaneous membrane has two layers: the epidermis (superficial epithelium) and the dermis (underlying connective tissue).
  • What is the subcutaneous layer and its function?
    The subcutaneous layer (hypodermis) lies beneath the dermis, consists of loose connective tissue and fat, and stabilizes the skin's position relative to underlying tissues.
  • List five general functions of the integumentary system.
    Protection, temperature maintenance, synthesis and storage of nutrients, sensory reception, and excretion and secretion.
  • What type of tissue composes the epidermis and what is its vascular status?
    The epidermis is composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells and is avascular, relying on diffusion from the dermis for nutrients.
  • What are the five layers (strata) of the epidermis in thick skin?
    From deep to superficial: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
  • What cells are found in the stratum basale and their functions?
    Contains basal cells (stem cells for regeneration), Merkel cells (touch receptors), and melanocytes (produce melanin pigment).
  • What is the role of epidermal ridges?
    Epidermal ridges increase surface area for diffusion, strengthen the bond between epidermis and dermis, and form the basis for fingerprints.
  • How does skin color vary and what pigments are involved?
    Skin color is influenced by melanin (brown-black or red-yellow pigment) and carotene (orange-yellow pigment). Melanin production increases with UV exposure.
  • What is the function of melanin in the skin?
    Melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation, protecting DNA in skin cells from damage that could lead to cancer.
  • Describe the structure and function of the dermis.
    The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and has two layers: the papillary layer (areolar tissue supporting epidermis) and the reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue providing strength and elasticity).
  • What is the role of the papillary layer of the dermis?
    It contains capillaries, lymphatic vessels, and sensory neurons that nourish and supply the epidermis.
  • What are the main components of the reticular layer of the dermis?
    Dense irregular connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers, fibroblasts, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerve fibers, and sensory receptors.
  • What are the main types of exocrine glands in the skin?
    Sebaceous (oil) glands and sweat glands (apocrine and eccrine types).
  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?
    They secrete sebum, an oily lipid that lubricates hair and skin and inhibits bacterial growth.
  • How do apocrine sweat glands differ from eccrine sweat glands?
    Apocrine glands secrete into hair follicles in specific areas and produce a sticky, odorous secretion; eccrine glands secrete watery sweat directly onto the skin surface for cooling.
  • Describe the structure of a hair follicle.
    Hair follicles extend into the dermis and hypodermis, contain epithelial stem cells in the hair matrix, and surround the hair papilla with capillaries and nerves.
  • What are the three layers of the hair shaft?
    From outside to inside: cuticle (overlapping cells with hard keratin), cortex (hard keratin), and medulla (soft keratin core).
  • What is the nail structure and its main parts?
    Nails are keratinized epithelial cells with a visible nail body, nail root (site of production), cuticle (eponychium), and lunula (pale crescent near root).
  • What are the four phases of skin regeneration after injury?
    Inflammation phase, migration phase, proliferation phase, and scarring phase.
  • How are burns classified by depth?
    First-degree (epidermis only), second-degree (epidermis and part of dermis), and third-degree (full thickness, epidermis and dermis destroyed).
  • What is the Rule of Nines in burn treatment?
    A method to estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by burns by dividing the body into regions of 9% or multiples thereof.