Body Membranes, Integumentary System, Skeletal System, and Joints

Flashcards covering key concepts from Body Membranes, Integumentary System, Skeletal System, and Joints.

Cutaneous Membrane

Covers the entire body surface; structure includes keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and connective tissue, functions to protect and prevent water loss.

Mucous Membrane

Lines body cavities open to the exterior; composed of epithelium and lamina propria, functions in protection, absorption, and secretion, produces mucus.

Serous Membrane

Lines closed ventral body cavities; consists of simple squamous epithelium and areolar connective tissue, functions to reduce friction between organs, produces serous fluid.

Synovial Membrane

Lines synovial joint cavities; made of connective tissue with no true epithelium, functions to lubricate joints, produces synovial fluid.

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin, made of keratinized stratified squamous cells, avascular.

Keratinocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce keratin for protection.

Melanocytes

Cells that produce melanin, which gives color and provides UV protection.

Tactile (Merkel) Cells

Touch receptors located in the epidermis.

Dermis

Connective tissue layer beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands, providing strength and elasticity.

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer)

Not technically skin, consists of fat and connective tissue, functions for insulation, shock absorption, and energy storage.

Sebaceous Glands

Produce oil (sebum) which lubricates skin and hair.

Sudoriferous Glands

Sweat glands; eccrine glands are common and involved in thermoregulation, apocrine glands produce thicker secretion.

Epiphysis

Ends of a long bone, containing spongy bone and red marrow.

Diaphysis

Shaft of a long bone, primarily made of compact bone.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain bone tissue.

Intramembranous Ossification

Process of forming flat bones directly from mesenchyme.

Endochondral Ossification

Process of forming most bones that begins with a cartilage model which is replaced by bone.

Synovial Joint

A type of joint that is freely movable and contains synovial fluid.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon.