Chapter 5: The Integumentary System Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the integumentary system as described in the lecture notes.

Epidermis

The superficial layer of the skin composed of a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The vascularized layer of the skin located deep to the epidermis, consisting of the papillary and reticular dermis.

Subcutaneous tissue

Tissue found deep to the skin (hypodermis) that consists mostly of adipose tissue.

Keratinocytes

The most abundant cell type in the epidermis that produces the fibrous protein keratin and dies as it passes through the stratum granulosum.

Melanocytes

Specialized cells found in the stratum basale that produce melanin, a natural sunscreen.

Stratum basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis which serves as the source of new cells for growth and contains melanocytes.

Stratum spinosum

The epidermal layer where dendritic cells are most abundant and where squamous cell carcinoma arises.

Stratum granulosum

The layer where keratinization begins and keratinocytes accumulate two types of granules; cells die above this layer due to distance from dermal capillaries.

Stratum lucidum

A layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin, typically in the palms and soles.

Stratum corneum

The most superficial epidermal layer that contains the oldest keratinocytes and continually sloughs off dead cells.

Papillary dermis

The superior layer of the dermis composed of loose connective tissue.

Reticular dermis

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

Friction ridges

Skin impressions that leave fingerprints on surfaces.

Cleavage (tension) lines

Lines representing the orientation of collagen fibers in the dermis; surgeons prefer to make incisions parallel to these for better healing.

Melanin

A pigment providing a natural sunscreen, produced by melanocytes in the epidermis.

Carotene

A yellow-orange pigment found in foods like carrots that accumulates in the stratum corneum and subcutaneous fat.

Hemoglobin

A crimson-colored pigment in red blood cells responsible for the skin color in light-skinned people.

Cyanosis

A blue appearance of the skin or mucous membranes that serves as a clinical sign of certain disease states.

Erythema

A clinical sign characterized by redness of the skin.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and sclerae (whites of the eyes) typically indicating a clinical sign of disease.

Arrector pili muscle

A muscle that pulls the hair follicle upright and causes goose bumps in response to fear or cold.

Root hair plexus

Also known as a hair follicle receptor, it is a sensory nerve ending that wraps around the hair bulb.

Terminal hairs

The coarser hairs of the scalp which, in older adults, may be replaced by vellus hairs.

Nail matrix

The part of the nail responsible for nail growth.

Eccrine sweat glands

Also called sudoriferous glands, these are abundant on palms, soles, and forehead, and function in thermoregulation.

Sebaceous glands

Also called oil glands, these secrete sebum to lubricate skin and hair; they are found everywhere except palms and soles.

Acid mantle

A chemical barrier formed by skin secretions that inhibits bacterial growth.

Dermatitides (Dermal macrophages)

Biological barriers found in the dermis that protect the body.

Tactile (Meissner’s) corpuscles

Cutaneous sensory receptors that respond to light touch.

Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscles

Cutaneous sensory receptors that respond to deep pressure and vibration.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer, characterized by relatively slow growth.

Squamous cell carcinoma

A type of skin cancer that arises from the cells of the stratum spinosum.

Malignant melanoma

The most dangerous and least common type of skin cancer, arising from melanocytes.

ABCD Rule

A clinical mnemonic used for the examination of pigmented spots or moles on the skin.

First-degree burn

A burn where only the epidermis is damaged; sunburn is a typical example.

Second-degree burn

A burn involving damage to the epidermis and upper dermis, often characterized by the appearance of blisters.

Third-degree burn

Also called a full-thickness burn; it destroys nerve endings and may appear gray-white, cherry red, or blackened.

Rule of nines

A clinical method used to estimate the extent of a burn based on the percentage of body surface area involved.