Integument & Accessory structures

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the integumentary system, as outlined in the provided lecture notes.

Integumentary System

An organ system that covers the exterior of the body.

Cutaneous membrane

The skin, composed of the epidermis and dermis.

Subcutaneous layer

Also known as the hypodermis; located deep to the cutaneous membrane.

Accessory structures

Includes hair, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and nails.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin made of stratified squamous epithelial cells.

Avascular

Lacking blood vessels; describing the epidermis.

Keratinocytes

Cells of the epidermis that produce the protein keratin.

Stratum Germinativum

The basal layer of the epidermis where cell division occurs.

Melanocytes

Cells in the skin that produce melanin, providing UV protection.

Vitamin D synthesis

The process where UV rays convert cholesterol to cholecalciferol in the skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous layer, containing connective tissue.

Papillary layer

The upper layer of the dermis composed of areolar connective tissue and capillaries.

Reticular layer

The deeper layer of the dermis made of dense irregular connective tissue.

Contusion

A bruise caused by the rupture of small dermal blood vessels.

Hypodermis

Also known as the subcutaneous layer; it stabilizes the skin and serves as fat storage.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce oil (sebum) to condition skin and protect hair.

Sweat glands

Glands responsible for secreting sweat; include merocrine and apocrine types.

Nail structure

Consists of the nail root, cuticle, nail body, and free edge.

Burns classification

1st degree: epidermal damage only, 2nd degree: epidermal and some dermal damage, 3rd degree: full thickness.

Aging effects on skin

Include decreased cell activity, reduced immune function, thinner dermis, and slower repairs.