The Integumentary System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, layers, and accessory structures of the integumentary system.

Integumentary system

The body system consisting of the skin and its accessory structures (the hair, nails, and glands) that protects against injury, senses the environment, regulates temperature, excretes wastes, and produces vitamin D.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin, consisting of stratified squamous epithelial tissue.

Stratum basale

The deepest sublayer of the epidermis where new epidermal cells are produced.

Keratin

A tough, waterproofing protein produced as an epidermal cell moves outward through the layers of the epidermis.

Stratum corneum

The outer sublayer of the epidermis through which epidermal cells die as they move.

Dermis

The inner layer of skin composed of connective tissue containing large amounts of collagen, capillaries, blood vessels, hair follicles, and glands.

Dermal papillae

Projections in the upper region of the dermis that extend upward into the epidermis and contain capillaries.

Melanin

A pigment produced by pigment cells in the epidermis that gives color to skin and hair and absorbs ultraviolet rays to prevent damage to the dermis and blood vessels.

Albinism

A condition in which cells are unable to produce melanin.

Subcutaneous layer

The deepest layer beneath the dermis, composed mainly of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue, which cushions underlying structures, connects skin with tissues beneath, and stores energy as fat.

Hair shaft

The part of the hair that is visible on the surface of the body.

Hair root

The part of the hair located below the skin.

Hair follicle

A structure composed of the hair root combined with its epithelial and connective tissue coverings.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce sebum to lubricate the skin surface, prevent water loss, and inhibit bacterial growth.

Sebum

An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that lubricates the skin surface, helps prevent water loss, and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Sweat glands

Coiled tubes that excrete dilute salt water through a pore onto the skin surface.