BIO251 week 5 notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the integumentary system.

Integumentary System

Consists of skin, hair, oil and sweat glands, nails, and sensory receptors.

Epidermis

The most superficial layer of the skin.

Dermis

The layer of skin deep to the epidermis containing collagen and elastic fibers.

Hypodermis

Also called subcutaneous layer; contains areolar and adipose tissue.

Keratinocytes

The predominant cell type in the epidermis that produces keratin.

Sebaceous Gland

Oil gland associated with hair follicles.

Sweat Gland

Gland that produces sweat; types include eccrine and apocrine.

Melanocyte

Cell in the epidermis that produces the pigment melanin.

Hair Follicle

The structure that produces hair and is located under the skin.

Vitamin D synthesis

The process by which the skin converts inactive vitamin D to its active form.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Albinism

A congenital disorder characterized by a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, easily treated if detected early.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes, responsible for skin color.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the body maintains its temperature.

Nail Matrix

The area of tissue under the base of the nail responsible for nail growth.

Eccrine Sweat Gland

Sweat glands that are most numerous, found all over the body.

Apocrine Sweat Gland

Sweat glands located mainly in hairy areas.

Cutaneous Sensations

Sensory perceptions related to touch, temperature, and pain in the skin.

Burn Grades

Classification of burns based on the layer of skin affected.

Hair Growth Cycle

Consists of anagen (growth), catagen (regression), and telogen (resting) stages.

Wound Healing

The process through which the skin repairs itself after injury.

Hair Shaft

The visible part of the hair that projects from the skin.