Integumentary System Flashcards

This set of flashcards contains key vocabulary and definitions related to the integumentary system, covering various aspects including skin structure, functions, hair, nails, glands, and more.

Integumentary System

The organ system consisting of the skin and its accessory organs.

Dermatology

The study and treatment of the integumentary system.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin made of stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The deeper connective tissue layer beneath the epidermis.

Hypodermis

The connective tissue layer located beneath the dermis.

Keratin

A protein produced by keratinocytes that provides waterproofing and protection to the skin.

Melanocytes

Cells in the stratum basale that synthesize melanin pigment.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis where cell division occurs.

Stratum spinosum

Layer of the epidermis above the stratum basale containing several layers of keratinocytes.

Stratum granulosum

Layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes begin to flatten and accumulate keratohyalin granules.

Stratum lucidum

A thin layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin (palms and soles).

Stratum corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead, scaly, keratinized cells.

Keratinocyte

A cell that makes keratin, the key structural material making up the outer layer of the skin.

Dendritic cells

Phagocytic cells originating in bone marrow that help guard against pathogens.

Pacinian corpuscle

A sensory receptor in the skin that detects pressure and vibration.

Eccrine sweat glands

Sweat glands that produce a watery secretion to help cool the body.

Apocrine sweat glands

Sweat glands associated with hair follicles, found in specific body areas; respond to stress and sexual stimulation.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that secrete oily sebum to keep skin and hair moisturized.

Hair follicle

A tubular structure in the skin from which hair grows.

Arrector pili muscle

Smooth muscle attached to hair follicles; contracts to make hair stand on end.

Nail matrix

The growth zone of a nail located beneath the base of the nail.

Melanin

Pigment produced by melanocytes that protects skin from UV radiation.

Carotene

A yellow to orange pigment found in the skin; can be converted to vitamin A.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that gives blood its color and affects skin tone.

Dermal papillae

Small extensions of the dermis that interdigitate with the epidermis.

Friction ridges

Unique patterns on fingertips formed during fetal development.

Flexion lines

Lines on the skin where it folds during joint flexion.

Freckles

Flat, melanized patches of skin that are usually harmless.

Moles

Elevated, melanized patches of skin often containing hair.

Hemangiomas

Benign tumors of dermal capillaries that may appear as discolored skin.

Piloerection

The contraction of arrector pili muscles causing hair to stand erect.

Stratum corneum functions

Provides a barrier to abrasion, penetration, and water loss.

Keratohyalin granules

Granules found in the stratum granulosum that assist in keratinizing cells.

Filaggrin

A protein that binds keratin fibers into tough bundles.

Insensible perspiration

Evaporation of sweat from the skin surface that is not perceptible.

Diaphoresis

Visible sweating that occurs during exercise or heat.

Eccrine gland structure

Simple tubular glands producing a watery sweat.

Ceruminous glands

Modified apocrine glands that secrete earwax (cerumen).

Mammary glands

Glands that produce milk during pregnancy and lactation.

Cutaneous vascular plexus

Network of blood vessels that supply the skin.

Adipose tissue

Loose connective tissue that stores fat beneath the skin.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature.

Acid mantle

A thin film of fatty acids and lactic acid on the skin surface that inhibits pathogens.

Vitamin D synthesis

The process by which skin converts UV light into vitamin D.

Tactile cells

Touch receptor cells located in the stratum basale.

Meissner's corpuscles

Sensory receptors responsible for sensitivity to light touch.

Subcutaneous fat

Fatty tissue found beneath the dermis, important for insulation.

Sebum

Oily secretion from sebaceous glands that lubricates the skin.

Nail bed

Skin beneath the nail plate that supports the nail.

Keratinization

The process by which keratinocytes fill with keratin and die.

Scar tissue

New connective tissue that forms over a wound.

Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect temperature changes.

Seborrhea

Overproduction of sebum leading to oily skin.

Pathology of skin

Study of diseases and disorders affecting the skin.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Epidermal water barrier

Barrier created by tight junctions and lipids to prevent water loss.