Chapter 7: Integumentary System and Body Temperature - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering skin structure, functions, pigment, burns, temperature regulation, and related terms from Lesson 7.1.

Integumentary System

The skin and its associated structures that protect the body, regulate temperature, synthesize vitamin D, excrete wastes, and sense the environment.

Epidermis

Outer skin layer that provides protection and contains strata such as the stratum germinativum and stratum corneum.

Dermis

Middle skin layer that houses hair follicles, glands, nerve endings, and blood vessels.

Stratum Germinativum (Stratum Basale)

Deepest epidermal layer where cell division occurs to produce new skin cells.

Stratum Corneum

Outermost epidermal layer made of dead, keratin-filled cells that form a protective barrier.

Keratinization

Process by which epidermal cells fill with keratin, die, and form a tough protective layer.

Subcutaneous Layer (Hypodermis)

Inner skin layer that insulates, anchors skin to underlying tissues, and stores fat.

Hair

Accessory structure consisting of a shaft and root; supported by arrector pili muscles.

Nails

Hard keratin plates on the ends of fingers and toes that protect and aid in manipulation.

Sebaceous Gland

Oil-secreting gland associated with hair follicles; secretes sebum.

Sweat Gland (Sudoriferous)

Gland that produces sweat; helps regulate body temperature and excrete wastes.

Eccrine Gland

Major sweat gland involved in thermoregulation; produces watery sweat.

Apocrine Gland

Sweat gland in axillae and groin; secretions associated with body odor; active after puberty.

Mammary Gland

Modified sweat gland that produces milk.

Ceruminous Gland

Gland that produces ear wax (cerumen) in the external ear canal.

Thermoregulation

Regulation of body temperature through heat production and heat loss.

Insensible Perspiration

Invisible sweat evaporating from the skin as part of normal cooling.

Sensible Perspiration

Sweat that is visible and measurable.

Melanin

Pigment produced by melanocytes in the epidermis; determines skin color and UV protection.

Carotene

Yellow-orange pigment in skin; becomes visible when melanin is lightened.

Albinism

Genetic condition with little or no melanin production leading to very light skin and hair.

Vitiligo

Patchy loss of pigment resulting in white skin patches.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin deposition.

Bronzing

Bronze tint of skin from excess melanin production or endocrine disorders.

Ecchymosis

Bruising; dark blue or black discoloration from escaped blood under the skin.

Blushing

Redness of the face due to dilation of superficial blood vessels.

Pallor

Paleness caused by reduced blood flow or hemoglobin.

Rule of Nines

Method for estimating burn percentages by dividing body into sections worth nine percent (or multiples).

Eschar

Dead tissue resulting from a full-thickness burn.

First-Degree Burn (Partial Thickness)

Burn affecting only the epidermis (e.g., sunburn); mild pain and redness.

Second-Degree Burn (Partial Thickness)

Burn involving epidermis and part of the dermis; blistering and pain.

Third-Degree Burn (Full Thickness)

Burn through all skin layers; may extend into underlying tissues; often insensate due to nerve destruction.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that acts as the thermostat for body temperature.

Vasodilation

Dilation of blood vessels, increasing blood flow and promoting heat loss.

Vasoconstriction

Constriction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and conserving heat.

Shivering

Involuntary muscle contractions that generate heat to raise body temperature.

Temperature Regulation (Normal Range)

Normal body temperature around 98.6°F (97–100°F range); core vs shell temperature concept.

Newborn Temperature Considerations

Neonates lose more heat due to large surface area, thin fat layers, and inability to shiver.

Transdermal Drug Absorption

Drug delivery route through the skin (transdermal, intradermal, topical, subcutaneous).

Intrader Malterm? (Note: Rephrase)

Intrademdal: Injection into the dermis for vaccines or medications.

Topical

Application of a substance to the surface of the skin.

Subcutaneous Injection

Injection beneath the skin into the subcutaneous tissue.