Integumentary System and Body Temperature

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the integumentary system, its structure, functions, and related skin conditions.

Integumentary System

The system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

Epidermis

The superficial layer of skin composed of epithelial tissue; avascular and primarily made of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The connective tissue layer beneath the epidermis, primarily made of collagen and rich in blood vessels and nerve endings.

Hypodermis

Also known as subcutaneous tissue; it consists of adipose tissue and provides insulation and shock absorption.

Keratinocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce keratin, a protective protein in the skin.

Melanocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin, which affects skin color and protects against UV radiation.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead keratinized cells that provide a barrier to water loss.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the body maintains its internal temperature, involving mechanisms such as perspiration and vasodilation.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin.

Sweat Glands

Glands that produce sweat to help regulate body temperature and eliminate waste.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from a deficiency of oxygen in the blood.

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow, often associated with inflammation or infection.

Alopecia

Thinning of hair or baldness that can be influenced by genetics, disease, or hormonal changes.

Hirsutism

Excessive or undesirable hairiness in areas where hair is not typically found, often related to hormonal imbalances.

First-Degree Burn

A burn affecting only the epidermis, characterized by redness and mild pain.

Second-Degree Burn

A burn affecting both the epidermis and upper dermis, causing blisters and severe pain.

Third-Degree Burn

A burn that destroys the entire thickness of the skin, leading to gray-white, cherry red, or blackened skin without pain due to destroyed nerve endings.

Scab Formation

The process of creating a protective crust over a wound, which aids in healing.

Vitamin D Synthesis

The process by which the skin produces vitamin D in response to UV light, essential for calcium metabolism.