Integumentary System and Skin Function

Vocabulary flashcards covering concepts of skin anatomy, temperature regulation, cell types, and tissue structures from the lecture notes.

Vitamin D

A vital nutrient for bone health that is produced when radiation from sunlight converts precursor compounds in the skin, often requiring supplementation in northern climates like Washington during the winter.

Sensations

Inputs from sensory receptors in the skin that constantly send information regarding touch, temperature, and pain to the brain.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels from their normal diameter, resulting in reduced blood flow through the vessels.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels from their normal diameter, which causes more blood to rush to the skin's surface to help cool the body down when hot.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin composed of epithelial tissue that fully replaces its cells every four weeks.

Plantar surface

The bottom of the foot, which consists of thick skin designed to handle the friction and impact of touching the ground.

Melanocytes

Mobile cells in the skin that create melanin, determining the different shades of skin color.

Desmosomes

Protein structures that connect epithelial cells together.

Dense regular tissue

Tissue structured to handle forces coming in a predictable path, such as those found in tendons or ligaments.

Dense irregular tissue

Tissue with fibers running in every direction to resist unpredictable patterns of force and friction.