Integumentary System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture on the Integumentary System.

Integumentary System

The largest system of the body, comprising the skin (cutaneous membrane), which includes the epidermis, dermis, and accessory structures such as hair and glands.

Cutaneous Membrane

The skin, which consists of two layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (underlying connective tissue).

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin made of stratified squamous epithelium; avascular and nourished by diffusion from dermis.

Dermis

The inner layer of skin containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and accessory structures like hair follicles.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin that protects against UV damage and contributes to skin color.

Keratin

A protein produced by keratinocytes that provides strength to skin and protects against abrasion and fluid loss.

Dendritic Cells

Cells in the epidermis that detect and defend against microorganisms and skin cancers.

Thermoregulation

The regulation of body temperature by dilation or constriction of blood vessels and sweat gland activity.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum to lubricate and soften the skin and hair.

Sweat Glands

Glands that help regulate body temperature and excrete waste products through perspiration.

Hair Follicles

Structures that encapsulate the base of hair and are associated with sebaceous glands and arrector pili muscles.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands that become functional during puberty and are located in specific areas such as axillae and genital region.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands present all over the body that regulate temperature through the secretion of sweat.

Basal Cells

Cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis that are responsible for the production of new skin cells.

Healing Phase

The stages of recovery following a wound that includes inflammatory, migratory, proliferation, and scarring phases.

First Degree Burn

A burn that affects only the surface of the epidermis, causing redness and pain.

Second Degree Burn

A burn that damages the entire thickness of the epidermis and part of the dermis, resulting in blisters.

Third Degree Burn

A full thickness burn that destroys both the epidermis and dermis, potentially affecting underlying tissues.

Fourth Degree Burn

A severe burn that extends through the skin to underlying tissues such as muscle and bone.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis that connects the skin to underlying fascia and is composed of fat and connective tissue.

Dermal Papillae

Small nipple-like projections from the dermis into the epidermis that increase surface area for attachment.