Integumentary System - CH 1

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

Integumentary System

The system that includes skin, hair all over the body, nails, and glands associated with skin such as sweat glands.

Integument

A term meaning "to cover."

Epidermis

The outer-most and thinnest layer of skin, composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Stratum Basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis made of one layer of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and macrophages.

Keratinocytes

Epidermis cells made of keratin, a hard, tough, waterproof protein.

Melanocytes

Cells that produce melanin, a dark brown/black pigment that provides skin color and protection against UV light.

Macrophages

Cells within the stratum basale that eat bacteria, debris, and old dead cells.

Stratum Spinosum

An epidermal layer a couple of layers thick with a "spikey" appearance, containing desmosomes for physical strength.

Desmosomes

Structures that provide physical strength to the stratum spinosum, attached by intermediate filaments.

Stratum Granulosum

The layer where cells start to fill with keratin granules and accumulate so much that the cell eventually dies.

Stratum Lucidum

An extra layer of dense, dead cells only found in the feet and hands that appears clear under a microscope.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost epidermal layer consisting of $50+$ layers of dead cells filled with keratin.

Corneocytes

The specific name for the dead cells in the stratum corneum which lack nutrients, $\text{O}_2$, and food.

Dermis

The thickest and main layer of skin, consisting of the papillary and reticular layers.

Papillary layer

The part of the dermis made of areolar CT with a nipple-like interlocking pattern that connects with the epidermis.

Reticular layer

The part of the dermis made of dense irregular CT that provides skin its strength.

Hypodermis

A layer made of adipose CT used for fat storage, physical cushioning, and insulation.

Arrector Pili Muscle

A vestigial structure that connects the hair follicle to the skin surface and causes goosebumps.

Hair Bulb

Structure formed in the follicle and dermal papilla consisting of living cells.

Hair Follicle

Epithelial cells that produce hair.

Hair Papilla

The area where blood vessels enter the hair to provide nutrients.

Hair Shaft

The dead cells of the hair located above the skin surface.

Sebaceous Gland

A gland that secretes sebum oil to coat the hair, prevent drying, and collect dirt.

Eccrine (Merocrine) Sweat Gland

Glands that release watery sweat into pores to cool the body down.

Apocrine Sweat Gland

Glands found only in the axilla, pubic regions, and areola that release protein-rich sweat onto hair follicles.

Pheromones

Hormones transmitted through the air in apocrine sweat that can regulate menstrual cycles, allow baby bonding, or act as sexual attractants.

Mammary Glands

Modified apocrine sweat glands that release protein-rich milk.

Myoepithelial cells

Cells that squeeze the mammary gland to expel milk.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified apocrine sweat glands found in the ears that produce earwax to protect the eardrum and repel insects.

Pheomelanin

A red pigment found in the epidermis of the lips and areola.

Carotene

A yellow pigment found in the hypodermis.

Hemoglobin

A red pigment found in blood, visible through thin skin.

Cyanosis

A blue coloring of the skin indicating a lack of oxygenated blood.

Decubitus Ulcer

Also known as bed or pressure sores, this occurs when epithelial tissue dies and exposes underlying CT due to closed-off blood vessels.

Psoriasis

An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks keratinocytes, leading to dead patches of epidermis.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, involving keratinocytes in the stratum basale; usually not dangerous with a low metastasis rate.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cancer of the keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum, often appearing as a mole with an open sore that doesn't heal.

Melanoma

A very dangerous cancer of melanocytes that is highly likely to metastasize and uses the ABCDE criteria for identification.

Botox

A treatment using botulinum toxin to paralyze and relax muscles to decrease the look of wrinkles.