Human Anatomy and Physiology Chapter 5: The Integumentary System

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the integumentary system chapter in human anatomy.

Integumentary System

Comprises skin, hair, nails, and glands such as sweat and sebaceous glands.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, primarily composed of avascular epithelial tissue.

Dermis

The layer beneath the epidermis, made of fibrous connective tissue and vascular.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer beneath the skin, consisting mostly of adipose tissue.

Keratinocytes

The primary cell type in the epidermis that produces keratin for skin protection.

Melanocytes

Spider-shaped cells in the epidermis that produce melanin for skin pigmentation.

Dendritic cells

Macrophages in the epidermis that help activate the immune response.

Stratum corneum

The outermost layer of epidermis with dead, keratinized cells.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that secrete oil (sebum) into hair follicles for skin and hair lubrication.

Eccrine sweat glands

Sweat glands that are plentiful on palms and soles, involved in thermoregulation.

Apocrine sweat glands

Sweat glands located in axillary and anogenital areas, responsible for body odor.

Melanin

The pigment produced by melanocytes that determines skin color and provides UV protection.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis, comprising actively dividing stem cells.

Stratum granulosum

A layer of the epidermis where keratinization begins and cells start to flatten.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common skin cancer arising from the stratum basale, usually treatable.

Squamous cell carcinoma

A type of skin cancer from keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum that can metastasize.

Melanoma

The most dangerous skin cancer, arising from melanocytes and highly metastatic.

Alopecia

A condition characterized by hair thinning or loss.

Vellus hair

Fine, thin body hair found in children and adult females.

Terminal hair

Coarse, thick hair that appears in specific regions and changes at puberty.

Striae

Stretch marks that occur due to extreme skin stretching.

Cutaneous sensations

Sensory perceptions arising from skin receptors that respond to touch, pain, and temperature.

Apoptosis

The process of controlled cell death that occurs in the layers of the epidermis.

Friction ridges

Patterns formed by epidermal ridges that enhance grip and create fingerprints.