Integumentary System

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

Integument

The skin, also known as a cutaneous membrane, including accessory structures such as hair and nails.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin composed of 4-5 layers of epithelial cells, primarily stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, made of connective tissue and containing hair follicles, glands, nerves, and blood vessels.

Keratinocytes

The primary type of cell in the epidermis, making up about 90% of its cells and responsible for producing keratin.

Melanocytes

Cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis that produce melanin, contributing to skin color and UV protection.

Langerhans cells

Immune cells in the epidermis that act as macrophages, dispersed throughout all layers.

Merkel cells

Cells that function in touch sensation, located in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Hypodermis

The deepest layer of skin, consisting of areolar connective tissue and fatty adipose tissue.

Stratum Basale

The basal layer of the epidermis that contains stem cells capable of generating new cells.

Stratum Spinosum

The layer of the epidermis where cells become flatter as they move superficially, containing keratinocytes held together by desmosomes.

Stratum Granulosum

The layer where keratinocytes begin to die and contain lamellar granules that produce a waterproofing secretion.

Stratum Lucidum

A layer found only in thick skin, composed of 4-6 layers of transparent, flat, dead keratinocyte cells.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis made up of 25-30 layers of flat, dead keratinocyte cells filled with keratin.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce sebum to moisturize and protect the skin and hair.

Sweat glands

Glands that produce sweat; includes eccrine glands for thermoregulation and apocrine glands for emotional and sexual functions.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin its color and provides protection against UV light.

Burns

Skin damage classified as first degree (epidermis only), second degree (epidermis and part of dermis), and third degree (through epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis).