Anatomy and Physiology Lesson 4: The Integumentary System

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the components, layers, functions, and clinical conditions of the integumentary system based on lecture notes.

Integumentary System

The largest organ system of the body consisting of the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands.

Epidermis

The superficial, outer layer of the skin made of stratified squamous epithelium that produces keratin and contains melanocytes but no blood vessels.

Dermis

The deeper layer of the skin made of connective tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and touch receptors.

Hypodermis

Also known as the subcutaneous layer; it anchors skin to underlying muscles, stores fat, insulates the body, and is a common site for subcutaneous injections.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis where cell division occurs and melanocytes are located.

Stratum spinosum

The layer of the epidermis that provides strength and flexibility.

Stratum granulosum

The layer of the epidermis responsible for keratin formation.

Stratum lucidum

A layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin, such as the palms and soles.

Stratum corneum

The most superficial layer of the epidermis consisting of dead keratinized cells for protection.

Papillary Layer

The dermis layer containing dermal papillae and Meissner's corpuscles; it is responsible for producing fingerprints.

Reticular Layer

The deeper dermis layer containing hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels, and Pacinian corpuscles.

Meissner's corpuscles

Receptors located in the papillary layer of the dermis that detect light touch.

Pacinian corpuscles

Receptors located in the reticular layer of the dermis that detect deep pressure.

Vitamin $D_3$

Produced by the skin when stimulated by sunlight; it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin its color and protects against UV radiation.

Carotene

A yellow-orange pigment obtained from vegetables like carrots and squash that can be converted into Vitamin A.

Albinism

A condition caused by no melanin production, characterized by very light skin, white hair, and light-colored eyes.

Vitiligo

A skin condition, usually autoimmune, characterized by white patches due to the loss of melanocytes.

Melasma

A condition characterized by brown facial patches caused by excess melanin production, often triggered by pregnancy or hormonal changes.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin caused by low oxygen in the blood.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer that starts in the stratum basale and rarely spreads.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A superficial skin cancer that is usually treatable.

Malignant Melanoma

The most dangerous form of skin cancer which develops from melanocytes and can metastasize through the lymphatic system.

Arrector pili muscle

The muscle responsible for making hair stand up.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum (oil) to lubricate the skin and prevent drying.

Sebum

The oily secretion of sebaceous glands that lubricates skin; overproduction can cause acne during puberty.

Merocrine (Eccrine) Glands

Sweat glands distributed throughout the body that produce watery sweat to cool the body.

Apocrine Glands

Sweat glands located in the armpits, areola, and groin that produce thicker sweat and become active during puberty.

Mammary Glands

Modified sweat glands that produce milk.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified sweat glands that produce cerumen (earwax) to protect the ear canal.

Lunula

The pale, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail.