Human Tissues and Forensic Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Human Tissues and Essential Forensic Biology lecture, focusing on skin, tattoos, fingerprints, hair, and identification methods.

What is the integumentary system composed of?

The integumentary system consists of skin, hair, nails, and accessory structures.

What are the two main layers of the skin?

The two main layers of the skin are the epidermis and the dermis.

What lies deep to the dermis and is often referred to as 'subcutaneous fat'?

The hypodermis lies deep to the dermis and is referred to as 'subcutaneous fat'.

What are keratinocytes?

Keratinocytes are cells that produce keratin, a key protein in the skin.

How many layers are in the epidermis?

There are five layers in the epidermis.

What is the primary pigment responsible for skin tone?

Melanin is the pigment partially responsible for skin tone.

How can tattoos be useful in forensic identification?

Tattoos can provide positive proof of identification and may indicate profession, lifestyle, and relationships.

What are the three classes of fingerprints?

The three classes of fingerprints are plastic, visible, and latent.

What is dactyloscopy?

Dactyloscopy is the study of fingerprints.

What technology does the FBI use for fingerprint identification?

The FBI uses the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) for fingerprint identification.

What are the primary components of hair?

Hair consists of three regions: shaft, root, and bulb.

What is 'Earology'?

Earology is the study of ear prints for identification purposes.

How do retinal and iris scans aid in identification?

Both retinal and iris scans help identify individuals by mapping unique patterns in their eyes.

What is the significance of hair in forensic biology?

Hair decomposes slower than soft tissues and can provide DNA evidence; it can also retain sequestered drugs and toxins.