Integumentary System Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 6: Integumentary System from Hole's Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.

Organ

Structure consisting of two or more tissues that performs a specialized function.

Integumentary system

The organ system that includes the skin and its accessory structures.

Epidermis

Outer, epithelial layer of the skin.

Dermis

The thick layer of the skin beneath the epidermis.

Subcutaneous layer

Loose connective tissue layer beneath the skin; also called the hypodermis.

Stratum basale

Deepest layer of the epidermis, where cells divide; also called the stratum germinativum.

Keratinization

Process by which cells form fibrils of keratin and harden.

Keratin

Intracellular protein in epidermis, hair, and nails.

Stratum corneum

Outer, horny layer of the epidermis.

Melanocyte

Melanin-producing cell.

Melanin

Dark pigment generally found in skin and hair that absorbs UV radiation and protects DNA from mutations.

Cytocrine secretion

Transfer of melanin granules from melanocytes into epithelial cells.

Eumelanin

Brownish-black pigment.

Pheomelanin

A reddish-yellow pigment.

Dermal papillae

Epidermal ridges of the dermis that create fingerprints.

Necrosis

Cell death occurring when the blood supply from the dermis is blocked.

Nail

Protective plate at the distal end of a finger or toe.

Hair follicle

Tubelike depression in the skin where a hair develops.

Arrector pili muscle

Smooth muscle in the skin associated with a hair follicle.

Sebaceous gland

Skin gland that secretes sebum.

Sebum

Oily secretion of the sebaceous glands.

Sweat gland

Exocrine gland in skin that secretes a mixture of water, salt, and wastes such as urea.

Merocrine sweat glands

The most numerous and widespread sweat glands that respond to body temperature elevation.

Apocrine glands

Sweat glands that secrete sweat by exocytosis, usually when a person is emotionally upset, frightened, in pain, or sexually aroused.

Hypothermia

A core body temperature below $95\,^\circ\text{F}$.

Hyperthermia

A core body temperature above $101\,^\circ\text{F}$.

Inflammation

Tissue response to stress that includes pain, warmth, redness, and swelling.

Edema

Swelling caused by increased permeability of blood vessels, where fluids leave the blood and enter tissue spaces.

Acne

Disease of the sebaceous glands that produces blackheads and pimples.

Cyst

Liquid-filled sac or capsule.

Alopecia

Hair loss, usually sudden.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin.

Athlete's foot

Fungus (Tinea pedis) infection usually in the skin of the toes and soles.

Eczema

Noncontagious skin rash that produces itching, blistering, and scaling.

Birthmark

Congenital blemish or spot on the skin, visible at birth or soon after.

Erythema

Reddening of the skin due to dilation of dermal blood vessels in response to injury or inflammation.

Boil

Bacterial infection (furuncle) of the skin, produced when bacteria enter a hair follicle.

Herpes

Infectious disease of the skin, caused by herpes simplex virus and characterized by recurring formations of small clusters of vesicles.

Carbuncle

Bacterial infection, similar to a boil, that spreads into the subcutaneous tissues.

Impetigo

Contagious disease of bacterial origin, characterized by pustules that rupture and become covered with loosely held crusts.

Keloid

Elevated, enlarging fibrous scar usually initiated by an injury.

Scabies

Disease resulting from an infestation of mites.

Mole

Benign skin tumor (nevus) that is usually pigmented; colors range from brown to black.

Seborrhea

Hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands that causes greasy skin and dandruff.

Pediculosis

Disease produced by an infestation of lice.

Ulcer

Open sore.

Pruritus

Itching of the skin.

Urticaria

Allergic reaction of the skin that produces reddish, elevated patches (hives).

Psoriasis

Chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered with silvery scales.

Vitiligo

Loss of melanocytes in parts of the epidermis, producing whitened areas of skin.