Integumentary System Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts of the integumentary system, including its layers, cells, and functions.

Integumentary System

The system consisting of skin, nails, hair, and glands that provides a barrier between the environment and the body's internal tissues and organs.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin that provides a barrier between the body and the surrounding environment.

Dermis

The middle layer of skin that contains sensory nerve receptors, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels.

Hypodermis

The deepest fatty layer of skin tissue that connects the skin to underlying muscles.

Keratinocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce keratin, a protein that helps waterproof and protect the skin.

Melanocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce melanin, the pigment that determines skin color and protects against UV damage.

Stratum Basale

The innermost layer of the epidermis, composed of rapidly dividing stem cells and melanocytes.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead, flat keratinocytes that form a protective barrier.

Sweat Glands

Glands in the dermis that help reduce body temperature by releasing sweat.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce an oily substance that lubricates the skin and provides protection from bacteria.

Langerhans Cells

Immune cells in the epidermis that detect and process antigens.

Meissner's Corpuscles

Touch receptors located in the dermal papillae of hairless skin that detect light touch.

Tactile Cells

Sensory receptors in the stratum basale that detect light touch.

Stratum Granulosum

A layer of the epidermis consisting of flattened cells that contain keratohyaline granules, contributing to the skin's barrier.

Stratum Lucidum

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

Free Nerve Endings

Dendrites in the skin that detect sensations such as pain, temperature, itch, and tickle.

Corneocytes

Flat, dead keratinocytes found in the stratum corneum that are filled with keratin.