Chapter 6: The Integumentary System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, tissue types, skin layers, pigmentations, and glands from the integumentary system notes.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types that are structurally connected and perform a shared, specialized function.

Main Tissues of the Skin

Epithelial and connective tissue.

Skin Functions

Forms a flexible barrier that protects the inside of the body from outside influences.

Epidermis

The layer of skin composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The layer of skin composed of connective tissue, collagen elastic fiber, smooth muscle tissue, nervous tissue, and blood.

Subcutaneous Layer

The layer found beneath the dermis.

Stratum Basale Blood Supply

Receives its blood flow through dermal blood vessels.

Keratinization

The process where older skin cells get pushed outwards, accumulate proteins known as "keratins", and then harden and die, producing a dry, tough, protective material.

Melanocytes

The ONLY cells that produce melanin, which is a pigment that provides skin color and absorbs ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.

Eumelanin

A type of melanin pigment that is brownish-black.

Pheomelanin

A type of melanin pigment that is reddish-yellow and only found in certain locations like the lips.

Cutaneous Carcinomas

Skin growths that develop from hard dry scaly growths with reddish bases, may be flat or raised, are firmly adhered to the skin, and mainly affect light skinned people.

Cutaneous Melanomas

Skin lesions pigmented with melanin often showing a variety of colored areas such as brown, black, gray, and blue, with an irregular outline and bumpy feel.

Nails (Finger and Toe)

Structures that grow from keratinized epithelial cells.

Arrector Pili Muscle

A muscle that contracts when a person is emotionally upset or very cold to produce gooseflesh or goose bumps.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands typically found in hair follicles.

Merocrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands found on the forehead, neck, and back.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands that become active during puberty and are found in axillary regions and the groin.