Integumentary System Review

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the integumentary system, including skin structure, functions, and disorders.

Integumentary System

The organ system that includes skin and its accessory organs.

Dermatology

The study and treatment of the integumentary system.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The deeper connective tissue layer of the skin.

Hypodermis

The connective tissue layer beneath the dermis, also known as subcutis.

Keratin

A fibrous protein that provides strength and water resistance to skin and hair.

Sebaceous Gland

A gland that secretes oily sebum to keep skin and hair moist.

Sweat Gland

Glands in the skin that produce perspiration for thermoregulation.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that provides color to the skin.

Eccrine Sweat Gland

Glands that produce a watery secretion for cooling the body.

Apocrine Sweat Gland

Glands that secrete a thicker sweat in response to stress and sexual stimuli.

Dermal Papillae

Small, nipple-like projections in the dermis that anchor the epidermis.

Keratinocyte

A cell that produces keratin, the primary structural material of the skin.

Melanocyte

A cell that produces the pigment melanin.

Tactile Cell

A touch receptor cell located in the epidermis.

Dendritic Cell

A phagocytic cell that helps to guard against pathogens in the skin.

Stratum Basale

The bottom layer of the epidermis where stem cells proliferate.

Stratum Spinosum

The layer of the epidermis above the stratum basale, known for its interconnected cells.

Stratum Granulosum

The epidermal layer where keratinocytes begin to flatten and accumulate keratohyalin granules.

Stratum Lucidum

A thin, clear layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of dead, scaly cells in the epidermis.

Acid Mantle

A thin protective layer of fatty acids and lactic acid on the skin that inhibits pathogens.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining an optimal body temperature.

Vascular Plexus

A network of blood vessels in the dermis supplying the skin.

Pacinian Corpuscle

A sensory receptor that responds to deep pressure and vibration.

Meissner's Corpuscle

A tactile receptor sensitive to light touch.

Hair Follicle

The cavity in which hair grows, composed of epithelial and connective tissue.

Arrector Pili Muscle

A small muscle attached to hair follicles that causes hair to stand upright.

Adipose Tissue

Fat tissue found in the hypodermis, providing insulation and energy storage.

Ecrrin Gland

Another term for eccrine sweat gland.

Pore

An opening through which sweat is released from sweat glands.

Cutaneous Glands

Glands associated with the skin, including sebaceous and sweat glands.

Nail Matrix

The growth zone of thickened stratum basale from which nails grow.

Lunula

The opaque white crescent at the base of the nail.

Eponychium

The cuticle, or narrow zone of dead skin overhanging the nail.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified apocrine glands that produce earwax.

Mammary Glands

Glands that produce milk, developing only during pregnancy and lactation.

Carotenemia

A condition marked by yellowing of the skin due to excessive carotene.

Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that gives blood its color.

Friction Ridges

Unique patterns on fingertips that help with grip.

Flexion Lines

Lines on flexor surfaces of the skin created by joint movement.

Freckles

Small, flat, melanized patches on the skin.

Moles (Nevi)

Elevated, melanized patches often with hair.

Hemangiomas

Benign tumors of dermal capillaries, also known as birthmarks.

Lanugo

Fine, downy, unpigmented hair found in fetal development.

Vellus Hair

Fine, pale hair that replaces lanugo at birth.

Terminal Hair

Coarse, pigmented hair that develops in specific areas during puberty.

Hair Matrix

The region of mitotically active cells immediately above the dermal papilla.

Cuticle (Hair)

The thin, scaly outer layer of hair.

Cortex (Hair)

The bulk of the hair made of elongated keratinized cells.

Medulla (Hair)

The core of hair, consisting of loosely arranged cells and air spaces.

Hair Receptor

Sensory nerve fibers wrapped around hair follicles.

Piloerector Muscle

Smooth muscle that causes hair to stand up when contracted.

Keratinocyte Life Cycle

The process of keratinocytes moving from the stratum basale to the surface.

Dermis

The layer beneath the epidermis that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

Papillary Layer

The uppermost layer of the dermis composed of areolar tissue.

Reticular Layer

The deeper and thicker layer of the dermis consisting of dense irregular tissue.

Subcutaneous Tissue

The layer of fat and tissue beneath the skin.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun that stimulates melanin production.

Homeostatic Imbalances

Conditions that disrupt normal physiological states.

Acne

A skin condition characterized by the blockage of hair follicles and excessive sebum production.

Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction leading to thickened patches.

Eczema

An inflammatory condition resulting in itchy, red, and dry skin.

Melasma

A condition characterized by brown patches on the skin due to hormonal changes.