Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Skin Physiology

What are the main functions of the integumentary system?

Protection, sensation, temperature regulation, vitamin D production, and excretion.

What does the integumentary system consist of?

The skin and accessory glands such as hair, nails, and glands.

How does the skin protect against ultraviolet light?

It reduces harmful effects and keeps microorganisms from entering the body.

What role does the integumentary system play in temperature regulation?

It regulates temperature by modulating blood flow through the skin and activity of sweat glands.

What is the significance of vitamin D production in the integumentary system?

The skin produces a precursor to vitamin D when exposed to UV light, which is crucial for calcium homeostasis.

What are the two major tissue layers of the skin?

The epidermis and the dermis.

What is the primary function of the epidermis?

To resist abrasion and reduce water loss.

What does the dermis in the skin provide?

It provides most of the strength of the skin.

What is the hypodermis, and what is its function?

The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) connects the skin to underlying muscle or bone.

What type of cells are the majority in the epidermis, and what do they produce?

Keratinocytes, which produce keratin responsible for skin strength.

What do melanocytes produce, and what is their role?

They produce melanin, which contributes to skin color and provides protection against UV light.

What is keratinization in the epidermis?

The process where cells fill with keratin, die, and form a protective layer.

What are the five strata of the epidermis?

Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.

What characterizes thick skin?

It has all five epithelial strata and is found in areas subject to pressure or friction, like palms and soles.

What determines skin color?

Three factors: pigments in skin, blood circulation, and thickness of the stratum corneum.

What is the role of carotene in the skin?

It is a yellow pigment acquired from food that concentrates in the stratum corneum and subcutaneous fat.

What is the function of the arrector pili muscle?

It causes hair to stand on end, producing 'goosebumps' when contracted.

What skin conditions are associated with pigment abnormalities?

Albinism, vitiligo, freckles, and moles.

What is the primary role of Langerhans cells in the skin?

They are part of the immune system.

What is the significance of the stratum corneum?

It consists of dead, cornified cells that provide a barrier against environmental damage.

What type of glands are sebaceous glands?

Holocrine glands that shed entire cells as part of their secretions.

What is the primary secretion of sebaceous glands?

Oily secretion known as sebum.

What are the two major types of sweat glands?

Merocrine (eccrine) and apocrine glands.

What is the function of merocrine glands?

Produce sweat to cool the body, primarily found in palms and soles.

What do apocrine glands produce?

An organic secretion that causes body odor, active at puberty and found in genital and axillary regions.

What do ceruminous glands produce?

Cerumen, commonly known as earwax.

What is the primary function of the integumentary system?

Protection against abrasion, microorganisms, UV radiation, and foreign substances.

How does the skin contribute to sensation?

It contains sensory receptors for pain, heat, cold, and pressure.

How does the integumentary system regulate temperature?

Through vasodilation and vasoconstriction of dermal arterioles and sweat production.

What is the role of vitamin D in the body?

Aids in calcium absorption and is produced when skin is exposed to UV light.

What causes erythema in the skin?

Increased blood flow through the skin.

What condition results in a bluish color of the skin?

Cyanosis, due to decreased oxygen content in the blood.

What are the two layers of the dermis?

The superficial papillary layer and the deep reticular layer.

What is the function of dermal papillae?

They form friction ridges responsible for fingerprints and footprints.

What is the primary tissue type found in the dermis?

Dense irregular connective tissue.

What is the hypodermis also known as?

Subcutaneous tissue.

What is the function of the hypodermis?

Attaches the skin to underlying structures, supplies blood vessels and nerves, and stores lipids.

What are the three types of hair?

Lanugo, vellus, and terminal hair.

What determines hair color?

The amount and type of melanin present.

What is the role of skin glands in excretion?

They remove small amounts of waste products but are not significant compared to kidneys.

What characterizes first-degree burns?

Damage only to the epidermis.

What characterizes second-degree burns?

Damage to both the epidermis and dermis.

What are third-degree burns?

Full thickness burns that destroy the epidermis, dermis, and underlying tissues.

What is a common treatment for severe burns?

Skin grafts from another part of the body or artificial skin.