Integumentary System – Dermis, Hair, Glands, and Sensory Structures

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the integumentary system, including the structure and function of the dermis, hair, glands, and sensory receptors.

Dermis

The layer of skin deep to the epidermis, composed of connective tissue proper.

Fibroblasts

Primary cell type in the dermis that produces collagen and elastic fibers.

Collagen

A protein that provides strength, structural support, and elasticity to the skin.

Papillary layer

The thin, superficial layer of the dermis made of areolar connective tissue, rich in capillaries and sensory neurons.

Reticular layer

The deeper, thicker portion of the dermis made of dense irregular connective tissue, providing strength and resilience.

Nails

Structures derived from the epidermis, composed of dead keratinocytes that protect the tips of fingers and toes.

Cuticle (eponychium)

The living skin at the base of the nail that protects the nail matrix from pathogens.

Hair

An epidermal derivative primarily composed of keratin, providing protection, heat retention, sensory reception, and visual identification.

Root hair plexus

Nerve endings that surround the hair root and detect light touch.

Arrector pili muscle

A smooth muscle attached to the hair follicle that causes goosebumps.

Merocrine (eccrine) sweat glands

Sweat glands widely distributed that secrete watery sweat for thermoregulation and excretion.

Apocrine sweat glands

Sweat glands found in specific areas that secrete viscous sweat into hair follicles and become active at puberty.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that secrete sebum into hair follicles, lubricating and waterproofing the skin and hair.

General senses

Receptors distributed throughout the body for sensations like touch, pain, and temperature.

Special senses

Localized sensory receptors located in specific organs like the eyes, ears, tongue, and nose.

Meissner’s corpuscles

Sensory receptors that detect light touch, located in the dermal papillae.

Pacinian corpuscles

Sensory receptors that respond to deep pressure and vibration.

Free nerve endings

Nerve endings in the skin that sense pain, temperature, itch, and light touch.