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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (24)

  • What are the two main layers of the skin?

    The skin has two main layers: the epidermis (keratinized stratified squamous epithelium) and the dermis (connective tissue, vascularized).

  • What are the four major cell types in the epidermis?

    Keratinocytes (produce keratin), melanocytes (produce melanin), dendritic cells (immune macrophages), and tactile (Merkel) cells (touch receptors).

  • What is the main function of keratinocytes?

    To produce keratin, a fibrous protein that provides protection and waterproofing.

  • What is the lifespan of a keratinocyte?

    Approximately 25-45 days from basal layer to shedding.

  • What is the role of melanocytes in the skin?

    They produce melanin, which protects against UV damage by absorbing harmful rays.

  • Name the five layers 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 stratum lucidum and where is it found?

    A clear, thin layer of dead keratinocytes found only in thick skin such as palms and soles.

  • What are the two layers of the dermis?

    The papillary layer (areolar connective tissue with capillaries and nerve endings) and the reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue with collagen and elastin fibers).

  • What are lines of cleavage in the skin?

    They are tension lines in the dermis formed by collagen fiber orientation, important for surgical incisions to minimize scarring.

  • What are flexure lines and where are they found?

    Deep creases in the skin at joints (e.g., palms, fingers) where the dermis is tightly secured to underlying structures.

  • What is the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue)?

    A layer beneath the skin composed of areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue; it anchors skin to underlying structures and provides insulation and shock absorption.

  • What are the three pigments contributing to skin color?

    Melanin (brown to black), carotene (yellow to orange), and hemoglobin (pinkish hue from blood).

  • What are the main functions of hair?

    Sensory detection, protection from trauma, heat loss, sun, and filtering particles from inhaled air.

  • What are the three layers of the hair shaft?

    Medulla (core), cortex (pigmented layers), and cuticle (outer protective layer).

  • What causes hair to turn gray or white?

    Loss of melanin production and replacement with colorless air bubbles in the hair shaft.

  • How does hair follicle shape affect hair texture?

    Round follicles produce straight hair; oval or flattened follicles produce wavy or curly hair.

  • What is the arrector pili muscle?

    A small muscle attached to hair follicles that contracts to raise hair and create goosebumps.

  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?

    They secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs skin and hair.

  • What are the two types of sweat glands and their differences?

    Eccrine glands produce watery sweat for temperature control; apocrine glands produce sweat with fatty substances, found in axillary and genital areas, and are activated by stress.

  • What is the role of ceruminous glands?

    Modified apocrine glands in the ear canal that produce earwax (cerumen) for protection.

  • What are the six major functions of the skin?

    Protection, body temperature regulation, cutaneous sensation, metabolic functions (e.g., vitamin D synthesis), blood reservoir, and excretion.

  • What are the three types of barriers the skin provides for protection?

    Chemical (acid mantle, antimicrobial secretions), physical (waterproofing, keratin), and biological (immune cells like dendritic cells and macrophages).

  • What are the degrees of burns and their characteristics?

    First degree: epidermis only; second degree: epidermis and superficial dermis; third degree: full thickness of skin.

  • What is the Rule of Nines?

    A method to estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by burns for treatment planning.