The Integumentary System

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the integumentary system, aiding in exam preparation.

Integumentary System

A system that consists of skin and accessory structures, such as hair, glands, and nails, functioning to guard the body's integrity and provide sensory information.

Epidermis

The superficial portion of the skin, composed mainly of epithelial tissue.

Dermis

The deeper layer of skin primarily composed of connective tissue.

Subcutaneous Layer

Also known as hypodermis, it is not part of the skin but consists of areolar and adipose tissue.

Keratinocytes

The most abundant cells in the epidermis that produce keratin for protection.

Melanocytes

Cells that produce melanin, contributing to skin color and protecting against UV light.

Langerhans Cells

Immune cells in the epidermis that participate in the immune response.

Merkel Cells

Cells that function in sensation of touch, found in the epidermis.

Stratum Basale

The deepest single layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes divide.

Stratum Spinosum

The layer of the epidermis that provides strength and flexibility, consisting of 8-10 cell layers.

Stratum Granulosum

Layer of the epidermis where cells begin to die and show signs of apoptosis.

Stratum Lucidum

A clear layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin areas such as palms and soles.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis made up of dead keratinized cells.

Keratinization

The process by which skin cells fill with keratin as they move to the surface.

Psoriasis

A chronic skin disorder characterized by rapid division and movement of keratinocytes.

Skin Grafts

Procedures used to cover wounds when the stratum basale is destroyed.

Papillary Region

The upper layer of the dermis, containing areolar connective tissue and responsible for fingerprints.

Reticular Region

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

Lines of Cleavage

Directional lines in the dermis that indicate where collagen fibers are arranged.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that determines skin color and provides some UV protection.

Carotene

A yellow-orange pigment and precursor of vitamin A found in the skin.

Hemoglobin

A red pigment in blood that influences skin color when other pigments are absent.

Freckles

Areas of increased melanin production leading to pigmented spots on skin.

Nevus

A benign overgrowth of melanocytes, commonly known as a mole.

Albinism

A genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin production.

Vitiligo

An autoimmune condition leading to loss of melanocytes and white patches on skin.

Accessory Structures

Components that develop from the epidermis, including hair, oil glands, sweat glands, and nails.

Hair Follicle

The structure from which hair grows; contains a matrix of actively dividing cells.

Arrector Pili,

A muscle that causes hair to stand up, creating 'goosebumps' in response to cold or fear.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum to moisturize and waterproof the skin.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands that are widely distributed and involved in temperature regulation.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands located in specific areas that become active at puberty.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified sweat glands that produce ear wax (cerumen) to protect the ear.

Nail Matrix

The part of the nail root that produces new nail growth.

Nail Growth Rate

The rate at which nails grow, typically about 1 mm per week.

Thin Skin

Skin type lacking epidermal ridges, covering most of the body except palms and soles.

Thick Skin

Skin that has a thicker epidermis and is found on palms and soles.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the skin regulates body temperature through sweating and blood flow adjustments.

Cutaneous Sensations

Sensations such as touch, heat, and pain that arise from the skin.

Vitamin D Synthesis

The process activated by UV light to produce a precursor for calcium absorption.

Transdermal Drug Administration

A method of drug delivery through the skin into the bloodstream.

Epidermal Wound Healing

The process by which basal cells migrate and divide to heal epidermal injuries.

Age-Related Changes

Structural changes in the skin due to aging, including reduced collagen and elastic fiber production.

Photodamage

Skin damage caused by ultraviolet light exposure, leading to premature aging.

Skin Cancer

Uncontrolled growth of skin cells, commonly presenting as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.

Burns

Tissue damage resulting from extreme heat, chemicals, or electricity.

First-Degree Burn

A burn that affects only the epidermis, causing redness and mild pain.

Second-Degree Burn

A burn that destroys the epidermis and part of the dermis, resulting in blisters.

Third-Degree Burn

A severe burn damaging all skin layers, including sensory nerves.

Decubitus Ulcers

Pressure sores caused by prolonged pressure that restricts blood flow to the skin.