C5: Integumentary System

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing essential terms, structures, and conditions of the integumentary system based on Chapter 5 lecture notes.

Integumentary System

The organ system consisting of the skin, hair, glands, and nails that covers the body and contributes to protection and homeostasis.

Epidermis

The superficial epithelial layer of the skin, composed primarily of epithelial tissue.

Dermis

The deeper layer of the skin located beneath the epidermis, composed mainly of dense connective tissue.

Stratum Basale

The deepest epidermal layer whose cells continually divide to produce new epidermal cells, and which contains melanocytes.

Stratum Spinosum

The epidermal layer that provides strength and contains cells involved in immune defense.

Stratum Granulosum

The epidermal layer whose cells produce substances involved in keratinization.

Stratum Lucidum

The epidermal layer found only in thick skin, such as the palms and soles.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost epidermal layer consisting mainly of dead, keratinized cells that are eventually shed from the skin.

Melanocytes

Pigment-producing cells found in the stratum basale that produce melanin.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that contributes to skin, hair, and eye color and helps protect skin cell DNA from UV radiation.

Keratinization

The process in which epidermal cells produce keratin, become filled with it, die, and form a protective layer that resists abrasion and water loss.

Callus

A thickening of the stratum corneum produced by excessive friction.

Papillary Layer

The superficial layer of the dermis containing loose connective tissue.

Reticular Layer

The deeper layer of the dermis composed of dense connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers.

Albinism

A genetic condition involving a deficiency or absence of melanin.

Cyanosis

A condition characterized by bluish skin, associated with decreased blood oxygen and impaired respiratory or circulatory function.

Jaundice

A condition characterized by yellowish skin, associated with the buildup of bile pigments due to liver damage or disease.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer located beneath the dermis (not part of the skin) consisting mainly of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue.

Hair Shaft

The portion of a hair located above the skin surface.

Hair Root

The portion of a hair located below the skin surface.

Hair Bulb

The expanded base of the hair root where hair growth occurs.

Hair Follicle

The anatomical structure surrounding the hair.

Medulla

The soft center layer of a hair.

Cortex

The harder layer surrounding the medulla that forms most of the hair and provides strength.

Cuticle (Hair)

The outermost layer of a hair consisting of a single layer of overlapping cells that helps hold the hair within the hair follicle.

Hair Papilla

A structure containing blood vessels that supply nutrients to growing hair.

Arrector Pili Muscles

Smooth muscles that contract to make hair stand on end and produce goose bumps.

Sebaceous Glands

Simple, branched acinar glands connected to hair follicles that secrete sebum.

Sebum

An oily secretion produced by sebaceous glands that oils the skin, keeps hair from becoming excessively dry, and helps protect the skin.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Glands that release sweat directly onto the skin surface through sweat pores to cool the body through evaporation.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Glands located mainly in the armpits and genital region that release an organic secretion into hair follicles, contributing to body odor when broken down by bacteria.

Nail Body

The visible portion of the nail.

Nail Root

The portion of the nail embedded in the skin.

Nail Matrix

The region that produces the cells forming the nail.

Eponychium

The cuticle formed by the stratum corneum extending onto the nail.

Lunula

The whitish, crescent-shaped area seen through the nail body.

Nail Bed

The skin region located distal to the nail matrix.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the skin and increases heat loss.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the skin and decreases heat loss.

Burn

Tissue damage caused by heat, cold, friction, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

Partial-Thickness Burn

A burn classification that damages the epidermis and part of the dermis, encompassing first- and second-degree burns.

Full-Thickness Burn

A burn classification that damages the entire epidermis and dermis, also known as a third-degree burn.

First-Degree Burn

A partial-thickness burn that damages only the epidermis, characterized by redness, pain, slight swelling, and healing in about one week without scarring.

Second-Degree Burn

A partial-thickness burn that damages the epidermis and part of the dermis, characterized by redness, pain, swelling, and blisters.

Third-Degree Burn

A full-thickness burn in which the epidermis and entire dermis are completely destroyed, preventing normal skin regeneration from the center.