Integumentary System Review Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the integumentary system, wound healing processes, and burns, prepared for a quiz review.

Integumentary System

The major organ system that includes the skin, hair, and nails.

Skin

The largest organ of the body, covering about 2 m² in adults.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin, made mainly of dead keratinocytes filled with keratin.

Dermis

The thicker inner layer of skin consisting mainly of tough connective tissue and collagen fibers.

Melanocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body.

Keratinocytes

Skin cells that produce keratin, a protein that helps protect the skin.

Phagocytic cells

Cells that ingest and eliminate foreign particles and dead cells.

Fibroblasts

Cells that create collagen and fibers during tissue repair.

Collagen fibers

Structural proteins that provide strength and support to tissues.

Shallow Cut

A cut that only affects the epidermis.

Deep Cut

A cut that reaches the dermis or subcutaneous layer.

Clot Formation

The process where blood forms a clot to stop bleeding after a cut.

Scab

A dried tissue fluid that forms over a clot, protecting the wound.

Healing Stages

Phases of wound recovery including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury characterized by redness, heat, and swelling.

Proliferation (Tissue Rebuilding)

The stage where epithelial cells reproduce to fill in the wound.

Scar

An elevated mass of collagenous fibers that may form after a wound heals.

First Degree Burn

A superficial burn that affects only the epidermis, characterized by redness and inflammation.

Second Degree Burn

A burn that affects the epidermis and some of the dermis, often resulting in blisters.

Third Degree Burn

A severe burn that destroys the epidermis, dermis, and accessory structures.

Rule of Nines

A method used to estimate the body surface area affected by burns, dividing the body into sections.

Epithelial cells

Cells that compose the outer layer of tissue; involved in the repair process.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding which is the first stage of wound healing.

Collagen

A protein that provides structure and support to skin and other tissues.

UV Protection

Protection from ultraviolet radiation provided by melanin in the skin.

Tissue Fluid

Fluid that seeps from the tissue to form a scab over a clot.

Macrophages

A type of white blood cell involved in the clean-up phase of wound healing.

Sweat Glands

Glands in the dermis that help regulate body temperature through perspiration.

Hair Follicles

Structures in the dermis from which hair grows.

Subcutaneous Layer

The layer of tissue beneath the dermis that contains fat and connective tissue.

Vascular

Relating to blood vessels found in the dermis.

Homeostatic Functions

The vital roles of the integumentary system, including protection and sensory perception.

Blisters

Fluid-filled sacs that form due to damage to the epidermis and dermis.

Growth Factors

Substances that stimulate cellular growth and regeneration during the healing process.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that provides support, binds other tissues together, and stores energy.

Accessory Structures

Components of the skin such as hair, nails, and glands, essential for skin function.

remodeling

last stage of the wound healing process where tissue and collagen increase in strength to help maintain a healthy wound covering. Remodeling also continues to shrink the wound size as the edges contract.