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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (28)

  • What are the main components of the integumentary system?
    Skin, hair, nails, sweat (sudoriferous) glands, oil (sebaceous) glands, and subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis).
  • What are the primary functions of the skin?
    Protection, temperature regulation, sensory perception, metabolic functions (Vitamin D production), blood reservoir, and excretion of wastes.
  • Name the three barriers of the skin that provide protection.
    Chemical barriers, physical barriers, and biological barriers.
  • What is the acid mantle and its function?
    A low pH layer on the skin surface that retards bacterial multiplication, acting as a chemical barrier.
  • Describe the physical barrier function of the skin.
    The stratum corneum consists of flat, dead, keratinized cells surrounded by glycolipids that block most water and water-soluble substances.
  • What role do dendritic cells and macrophages play in the skin?
    They act as biological barriers by engulfing foreign antigens and activating the immune response.
  • How does the skin contribute to thermoregulation?
    By regulating sweat gland activity and dilation/constriction of blood vessels to control heat loss or retention.
  • What metabolic functions does the skin perform?
    Synthesizes Vitamin D, disarms some carcinogens, activates hormones, and produces collagenase to prevent wrinkles.
  • What is the blood reservoir function of the skin?
    The dermis holds about 5% of the body's blood volume and can constrict vessels to redirect blood flow.
  • What are the two main layers of the skin?
    Epidermis (outer protective layer) and dermis (bulk of skin with connective tissue).
  • What is the hypodermis and its function?
    A layer beneath the dermis made mostly of adipose tissue; anchors skin to muscles, provides shock absorption and insulation.
  • What types of cells are found in the epidermis?
    Keratinocytes, melanocytes, dendritic (Langerhans) cells, and tactile (Merkel) cells.
  • List the five layers of thick skin epidermis from superficial to deep.
    Stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale.
  • What is the function of keratinocytes?
    Produce fibrous keratin that protects skin and repels water; major cell type in epidermis.
  • What is the role of melanocytes?
    Produce melanin pigment to protect keratinocyte DNA from UV damage.
  • Describe the papillary layer of the dermis.
    Upper dermis layer with loose connective tissue, blood vessels, dermal papillae, and sensory receptors like Meissner's corpuscles.
  • Describe the reticular layer of the dermis.
    Thick, dense irregular connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers providing strength, hydration, and elasticity.
  • What causes stretch marks (striae)?
    Extreme stretching of skin causing dermal tears and silvery white scars.
  • Name the three pigments that contribute to skin color.
    Melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin.
  • What are the two main types of sweat glands?
    Eccrine (merocrine) glands and apocrine glands.
  • Where are eccrine sweat glands most abundant and what is their function?
    Palms, soles, and forehead; function in thermoregulation by secreting watery sweat.
  • Where are apocrine sweat glands located and what is their function?
    Axillary and anogenital areas; secrete viscous sweat that bacteria break down causing body odor.
  • What are sebaceous glands and their function?
    Oil glands that secrete sebum to soften hair and skin and have bactericidal properties.
  • What are the main parts of a hair follicle?
    Hair bulb, hair papilla, hair root, hair shaft, and arrector pili muscle.
  • What are the functions of hair?
    Protection from trauma, heat loss, sunlight; sensory detection; filtering particles in nose and eyelashes.
  • What are the types of hair?
    Lanugo (fetal), vellus (fine body hair), and terminal (thicker, coarse hair).
  • What are nails and their function?
    Scale-like modifications of epidermis containing hard keratin; protect distal fingers and toes.
  • What are cutaneous sensory receptors and their functions?
    Exteroreceptors detecting heat, cold, pain, touch, and pressure; include Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, and free nerve endings.