Chapter_5_Flashcards__44_Terms_

Melanin

A pigment that provides color to the skin and protects against UV radiation.

Epidermis Layers

Thin skin has 4 layers; thick skin has 5 layers including the stratum lucidum.

B-lymphocytes

White blood cells that produce antibodies as part of the immune response.

Sebum

An oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands to lubricate skin and hair.

Sudoriferous Glands

Sweat glands that help regulate body temperature.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete sebum into hair follicles to keep skin and hair moisturized.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow and release heat.

Melanocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce melanin.

Psoriasis

A chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches due to rapid skin cell growth.

Melanoma

A serious type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes.

Albinism

A genetic condition where melanin is not produced, leading to pale skin and hair.

Impetigo

A contagious bacterial skin infection causing red sores and blisters.

Meissner’s Corpuscles

Sensory receptors in the skin that detect light touch.

Striae

Stretch marks caused by skin stretching beyond its elasticity.

Tyrosinase

An enzyme needed for the production of melanin.

Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin helps produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

Cyanosis

A bluish tint to the skin resulting from low oxygen levels in the blood.

Hair Structure

Hair consists of three layers: medulla, cortex, and cuticle.

Pheromone

A chemical signal released that affects the behavior of others of the same species.

Wound Healing Stages

The stages include inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

Blister

A fluid-filled bubble on the skin caused by friction or burns.

Burn Types

First-degree (epidermis), second-degree (dermis), third-degree (all layers of skin).

Tension Lines

Natural skin patterns; incisions parallel to them heal better.

Fat-soluble Substances

Can penetrate through the skin and enter circulation.

Freckles

Small pigmented spots caused by increased melanin production.

Ectoderm

The layer responsible for giving rise to the epidermis of the skin.

Mesoderm

The layer that gives rise to the dermis and connective tissue.

Callus

A thickened area of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure.

Corn

A cone-shaped thickening of skin usually over a toe or pressure point.

Athlete's Foot

A fungal infection causing itching and peeling of the skin on the feet.

Eczema

A skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed patches.

Polyp

An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.

Wart

A skin growth caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Pimple

An inflamed clogged pore filled with pus, often caused by bacteria.

Dermatome

An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve.

Cold Sore

A blister near the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Langerhans Cells

Immune cells in the skin that help detect pathogens.

Merkel Cells

Touch-sensitive cells in the skin involved in sensation.

T-cells

Immune cells that attack infected or abnormal cells.

Ear Wax

Cerumen that protects the ear canal from dust and microorganisms.

Carbuncle

A cluster of boils connected under the skin due to infection.

Anhidrosis

The inability to sweat normally.

Fibrosis

The thickening and scarring of connective tissue.

Fibronectin

A glycoprotein that helps cells attach to the extracellular matrix.