Integumentary System Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, structures, and functions of the integumentary system.

Integumentary System

Consists of the skin and its accessory structures, including hair, nails, and glands.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing loose connective tissue and dense irregular connective tissue.

Hypodermis

Also known as the superficial fascia or subcutaneous fat; it anchors the skin to deeper structures. not a layer of skin! very vascular and composed of adipose and loose connective tissue.

Sebaceous gland

Glands that produce oily sebum to waterproof and lubricate the skin.

cellulite

A dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue beneath the skin, usually occurring in areas such as thighs and buttocks.(not a disorder)

Sweat gland

Glands that produce sweat for thermoregulation and excretion of waste.

Sensory receptors

Detect heat, cold, pain, and pressure in the skin.

Arrector pili muscle

Small muscles associated with hair follicles; cause hair to stand up (goosebumps).

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature.

Vitamin D synthesis

The process that occurs in the skin, where UV light converts dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3.

Keratinocytes

The primary cell type in the epidermis that produces the protein keratin.

Melanocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

Dendritic cells

Immune cells located in the skin that protect against pathogens.

Tactile cells

Sensory receptors in the skin that detect light touch.

Stratum corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead, flattened keratinized cells.

Stratum lucidum

A clear layer of dead skin found only in thick skin areas.

Stratum granulosum

A layer of the epidermis where keratinization begins.

Stratum spinosum

Layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes are interconnected by desmosomes.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis, where cell division occurs.

Papillary layer

The upper layer of the dermis, which contains loose connective tissue and dermal papillae.

Reticular layer

The denser, deeper layer of the dermis; contains collagen and elastin fibers.

Melanin

The pigment produced by melanocytes that provides skin color and protects against UV damage.

Erythema

Redness of the skin often caused by increased blood flow.

Pallor

Paleness of the skin due to decreased blood flow.

Cyanosis

A bluish coloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Jaundice

A yellowish coloration of the skin, often due to liver conditions.

Freckle

A small area of increased pigmentation due to melanin production.

Mole (nevus)

An area of increased pigmentation due to proliferation of melanocytes.

Albinism

A genetic condition characterized by the absence of melanin production.

Acne vulgaris

A skin condition that arises from an accumulation of sebum and dead cells in sebaceous glands.

First-degree burn

A burn affecting only the epidermis, causing redness and minor pain.

Second-degree burn

A burn affecting the epidermis and part of the dermis, causing blisters.

Third-degree burn

A burn that extends through the epidermis and dermis, affecting deeper tissues.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, arising from keratinocytes in the stratum basale.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Skin cancer arising from keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum.

Malignant melanoma

A serious type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes and can metastasize.

ABCDE rule

A guideline for identifying suspicious moles (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).

Hair bulb

The base of the hair follicle where hair growth occurs through mitosis.

Hair follicle

The structure from which hair grows; includes epithelial and dermal root sheaths.

Cuticle (hair)

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made of overlapping keratinized cells.

Cortex

The middle layer of hair, providing strength and color.

Medulla

The innermost layer of hair, composed of soft keratin.

Hair shaft

The visible part of the hair that extends above the skin surface.

Nail plate

The hard protective covering of the fingertip.

Lunula

The visible part of the nail matrix at the base of the nail.

Eponychium

The cuticle that overlaps the proximal end of the nail.

Hyponychium

The skin underneath the free edge of the nail.

Eccrine sweat glands

Sweat glands that are widely distributed across the body, mainly for temperature regulation.

Apocrine sweat glands

Sweat glands found in specific areas (such as armpits), functional at puberty.

Ceruminous glands

Modified sweat glands in the ear canal that produce earwax.

Mammary glands

Modified sweat glands that produce milk.

Acne

A skin condition caused by the blockage and inflammation of sebaceous glands.

Skin markings

Patterns formed by epidermal ridges; enhance grip and contribute to fingerprints.

Wrinkles

Aged skin appearance due to loss of collagen, elastic fibers, and hydration.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.