Chapter 6 – The Integumentary System

These vocabulary flashcards cover the essential terms, structures, pigments, glands, lesions, disorders, and healing concepts presented in Chapter 6 on the integumentary system.

Integumentary system

The skin and all of its associated accessory structures

Epidermis

Outermost, avascular layer of skin composed mainly of stratified squamous epithelium

Stratum basale

Deepest epidermal layer where new epithelial cells and melanocytes are produced

Stratum corneum

Most superficial epidermal layer; dead, keratin-filled cells that constantly shed

Dermis

Vascular connective-tissue layer beneath epidermis, housing hair follicles, glands, receptors, and blood vessels

Subcutaneous layer

Loose connective tissue and adipose beneath dermis; insulates and anchors skin to underlying structures

Keratin

Tough, water-resistant protein that hardens skin, hair, and nails

Melanin

Brown pigment produced by melanocytes that absorbs ultraviolet radiation

Melanocyte

Pigment-producing cell found in the stratum basale

Apocrine gland

Type of sweat gland in axillae and groin that secretes thick fluid into hair follicles

Eccrine gland

Most numerous sweat gland; secretes watery perspiration directly to skin surface for cooling

Sudoriferous gland

Scientific term for any sweat gland

Sebaceous gland

Sac-like gland associated with hair follicles that secretes sebum

Sebum

Oily secretion that lubricates skin and hair and helps prevent water loss

Hair follicle

Epithelial sheath in the dermis from which a hair grows

Hair shaft

Visible part of hair that extends above the skin surface

Hair root

Portion of hair located within the follicle below the skin surface

Arrector pili muscle

Tiny smooth muscle attached to hair follicles that causes piloerection (goose bumps)

Nail plate

Hard, keratinized body of the nail

Nail matrix

Growth region at proximal nail root where new nail cells form

Lunula

Whitish crescent at the base of the nail plate indicating active nail growth

Meissner corpuscle

Dermal touch receptor sensitive to light pressure

Pacinian corpuscle

Deep pressure receptor located in the dermis or subcutaneous layer

Lesion

Any wound, sore, or local damage to body tissue

Macule

Flat, discolored spot on the skin (e.g., freckle)

Papule

Small, raised solid skin lesion (e.g., wart)

Vesicle

Small fluid-filled blister

Pustule

Elevated lesion containing pus

Ulcer

Craterlike lesion resulting from tissue destruction

Fissure

Linear crack in the skin

Cicatrix (scar)

Fibrous tissue replacing normal skin after injury

Keloid

Excessively large, raised scar due to overproduction of collagen

Alopecia

Partial or complete loss of hair (baldness)

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of skin caused by lack of oxygen

Erythema

Redness of the skin due to increased blood flow

Jaundice

Yellow discoloration from excess bile pigment (bilirubin)

Carotene

Yellow-red pigment that can color the skin when in excess

Hemoglobin

Red blood pigment that contributes to skin color

Collagen

Strong fibrous protein in dermis; produced by fibroblasts during wound healing

Inflammation

Initial wound-healing phase where blood brings cells and chemicals to damaged area

Exfoliation

Normal shedding of superficial epidermal cells

Dermatitis

General term for inflammation of the skin

Psoriasis

Chronic inflammatory skin disorder with red plaques and silvery scales

Pemphigus

Autoimmune disease causing blistering of skin and mucous membranes

Scleroderma

Autoimmune disease marked by overproduction of collagen and skin thickening

Impetigo

Contagious bacterial skin infection, usually staphylococcal or streptococcal

Tinea (ringworm)

Fungal infection of skin, hair, or nails

Malignant melanoma

Most dangerous skin cancer arising from melanocytes

Rule of nines

Method to estimate body surface area affected by burns

Vitamin D synthesis

Skin’s ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light