The Integument System

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts, structure, and functions of the integumentary system, including the skin layers, types of cells, and related structures.

What is the largest organ of the integumentary system?

Skin.

What layers make up the integument?

Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous Layer (hypodermis).

What is the primary function of the epidermis?

Protection.

What type of epithelium is the epidermis composed of?

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

What is the deeper layer of the integument called?

Dermis.

What connects the epidermis to the dermis?

Dermal papillae and epidermal ridges.

What are the two layers of the dermis?

Papillary layer and reticular layer.

What is the hypodermis primarily composed of?

Adipose tissue.

What is one function of the integumentary system?

Temperature regulation.

What cell type in the stratum basale produces melanin?

Melanocytes.

How is the stratum corneum characterized?

It consists solely of dead keratinocytes.

What is the function of keratin in the skin?

To protect and waterproof the skin.

In which layer do keratinocytes begin to degrade and form a water barrier?

Stratum granulosum.

What is the role of epidermal dendritic cells?

They initiate an immune response.

What distinguishes thick skin from thin skin?

Thick skin contains all five layers of the epidermis.

What contributes to skin color?

Three pigments: hemoglobin, melanin, and carotene.

What kind of glands are sebaceous glands?

Exocrine glands that secrete sebum.

What is the primary function of merocrine sweat glands?

Thermoregulation.

Where are apocrine sweat glands primarily located?

In the axillary, nipple, groin, and anal regions.

What is the main purpose of hair?

Protection and sensory reception.

What are friction ridges?

Folds of epidermis and dermis that increase friction for grasping.

How does the dermis contribute to temperature regulation?

By controlling blood flow through vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

What happens to collagen fibers during skin stretching?

They may tear to form stretch marks.

What is the clinical significance of lines of cleavage in skin?

Incisions along these lines heal better than those across them.

What is the structure beneath the epidermis called?

Dermis.

What layer of the dermis is composed of dense irregular connective tissue?

Reticular layer.

What are the two main types of sweat glands?

Merocrine and apocrine glands.

What produces the characteristic odor associated with apocrine sweat glands?

Bacterial growth in secretion.

What is found in the nail bed that supports the nail plate?

Epidermis.

Which epidermal layer lacks organelles and is filled with eleidin?

Stratum lucidum.

What are the sensory receptors in the dermis called?

Tactile receptors.

Where is the hair follicle located?

Deep in the dermis or hypodermis.

What are arrector pili muscles responsible for?

Causing hair to stand up in response to emotions or cold.

What is the term for localized overgrowth of melanocytes?

Nevus.

What type of connective tissue primarily makes up the papillary layer?

Areolar connective tissue.

How are collagen bundles arranged in the dermis?

In parallel bundles.

What layer of the skin is primarily responsible for protection against disease?

Epidermis.

What produces the oily secretion that lubricates the skin and hair?

Sebaceous glands.

What happens in the stratum spinosum?

Daughter cells from the stratum basale differentiate into specialized keratinocytes.

Which layer is found only in thick skin and provides an extra layer of protection?

Stratum lucidum.

What are the skin markings that include overgrowth of blood vessels called?

Hemangioma.

What is the function of the hypodermis?

Protects underlying structures and stores energy.

What is the primary composition of the reticular layer of the dermis?

Dense irregular connective tissue.

What is the primary function of the cuticle of the nail?

To protect the nail matrix.

What do keratinocytes in the stratum basale do?

Undergo mitosis.

What distinguishes merocrine sweat glands from apocrine sweat glands?

Merocrine glands secrete directly onto the skin surface.

What is a common effect of aging on the skin?

Decreased elasticity and thickness.

What cells are abundant in the stratum corneum?

Dead keratinocytes.

What is the visible part of the nail called?

Nail body.

What is the function of the nail matrix?

It is the growth area for the nail.

What are the three zones of hair structure?

Hair bulb, hair root, hair shaft.

What happens to the dermis with excessive UV exposure?

It loses flexibility and thickness, resulting in wrinkles.

What blood vessels are responsible for supplying nutrients to the avascular epidermis?

Capillaries in the dermis.

What is the term for the outer layer of a hair?

Cuticle.

What is the primary function of hair on the body?

Heat retention and sensory reception.

What does the term 'stratum' refer to in the context of skin layers?

Layer.

What condition is characterized by a lack of melanin?

Albinism.

What contributes to skin pigmentation in response to UV exposure?

Melanin production in melanocytes.