Integumentary System Study Guide

Flashcards covering skin layers, glands, nails, hair, other structures, and common skin lesion terminology.

What is the outermost layer of the skin?

Epidermis.

What layer lies beneath the epidermis and contains nerves and blood vessels?

Dermis.

What structures are contained in the dermis alongside nerves and blood vessels?

Nerves and blood vessels (arteries & veins) stored within the dermis.

What is the layer beneath the dermis called?

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer).

Which glands are responsible for sweating and include eccrine and apocrine types?

Sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine).

Which gland secretes sebum to lubricate the skin and hair?

Sebaceous gland.

What structure conducts secretions from glands to the skin surface?

Duct.

What is the opening on the skin surface for sweat glands and other secretions called?

Pore.

What is the free edge of the nail called?

Free edge of nail.

What is the visible, flat part of the nail called?

Nail body.

What is the growth region of the nail called?

Nail matrix.

What is the pale crescent at the base of the nail called?

Lunula.

What is the nail cuticle commonly called?

Cuticle (eponychium).

What is the hard outer layer of the hair called?

Hair cuticle.

What is the middle layer of the hair that provides strength and contains pigment?

Cortex.

What is the innermost layer of the hair shaft called?

Medulla.

What structure surrounds and anchors the hair within the skin?

Follicle.

What term refers to the hair root or bulb?

Root/Bulb.

What muscle causes hair to stand up and produces goosebumps?

Arrector Pili Muscle.

What tissue type stores fat and provides insulation and energy?

Adipose (fat) tissue.

Which tactile receptor detects light touch in the skin?

Meissner’s Corpuscle.

Which tactile receptor detects deep pressure and vibration in the skin?

Pacinian’s Corpuscle.

Which blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?

Artery.

Which blood vessel carries blood toward the heart?

Vein.

A flat, non-palpable skin discoloration up to 1 cm is called a .

Macule.

A small solid raised lesion less than 1 cm is called a .

Papule.

A solid lesion larger than a papule is called a .

Nodule.

A fluid-filled lesion smaller than 1 cm is called a .

Vesicle.

A larger fluid-filled blister is called a .

Bulla.

Pus-filled raised lesion is called a .

Pustule.

A flat, discolored patch larger than 1 cm is called a .

Patch.

A solid raised lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter is called a .

Plaque.

A raised, ephemeral itching area of the skin is a .

Wheal.

A dry, flaky scale on the skin is called a .

Scale.

A crust on the skin is called a .

Crust.

A linear crack in the skin is called a .

Fissure.

A break in the skin or mucous membrane is called an .

Erosion.

A scratch or superficial abrasion is called an .

Excoriation.

Thickened, leathery skin from chronic rubbing is called a .

Lichenification.

A scar is a permanent replacement of normal skin with fibrous tissue called a .

Scar.

What is the visible part of the hair that extends above the skin called?

Shaft.