Chapter 4 - Skin Structure and Integumentary Anatomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical layers, specialized cells, nervous receptors, and appendages of the human skin from Chapter 4 blended learning notes.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin composed of stratified squamous epithelium; it is avascular, composed mostly of keratinocytes, and cornified or keratinized to prevent water loss.

Dermis

The layer of the skin located beneath the epidermis, composed of dense connective tissue and divided into the papillary layer and reticular layer.

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous tissue)

Tissue situated deep to the dermis that is not technically part of the skin; it is composed mostly of adipose tissue, anchors the skin to underlying organs, absorbs shock, and insulates deeper tissues.

Keratinocytes

The cells that make up the vast majority of the epidermis.

Keratin

A fibrous protein that makes the epidermis tough and hardens it to prevent water loss.

Papillary layer

The superficial layer of the dermis located directly beneath the epidermis, featuring dermal papillae.

Reticular layer

The deeper layer of the dermis situated beneath the papillary layer.

Dermal papillae

Finger-like projections of the papillary layer of the dermis that extend toward and indent the overlying epidermis.

Eccrine sweat gland

An epidermal appendage of the skin that secretes sweat onto the epidermal surface through a pore.

Arrector pili muscle

A smooth muscle appendage attached to the hair follicle in the dermis.

Sebaceous (oil) gland

A cutaneous gland appendage connected to hair follicles that secretes oil.

Hair follicle receptor (root hair plexus)

A nervous structure composed of sensory nerve fiber endings wrapped around the base of a hair follicle.

Lamellar corpuscle

A specialized sensory nervous structure receptor situated deep in the skin.

Cutaneous vascular plexus

A network of blood vessels supplying the cutaneous tissues located between the dermis and hypodermis.

Skin Structure Anatomy

The complete anatomical organization of the integument, consisting of the epidermis, dermis (papillary and reticular layers), hypodermis, nervous structures, and skin appendages.