Histology & Integumentary System: Skin Layers, Glands, and Tissues

What are the major functions of skin?

The major functions of skin include protection, sensation, temperature regulation, excretion, vitamin D production, and prevention of water loss.

What are the three main layers of skin?

The three main layers of skin are the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

What is the order of the epidermal layers from deep to superficial?

The order of the epidermal layers from deep to superficial is: Stratum Basale, Stratum Spinosum, Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Lucidum, and Stratum Corneum.

What is the function of the Stratum Basale?

The Stratum Basale is responsible for the constant division of cells to produce new skin cells.

What is the function of the Stratum Spinosum?

The Stratum Spinosum provides strength and flexibility to the skin.

What is the function of the Stratum Granulosum?

The Stratum Granulosum helps to waterproof the skin and prevent water loss.

What is the function of the Stratum Lucidum?

The Stratum Lucidum provides an extra layer of protection in thick skin areas.

What is the function of the Stratum Corneum?

The Stratum Corneum acts as a barrier to protect underlying tissues from infection, dehydration, and physical damage.

What are the two layers of the dermis?

The two layers of the dermis are the papillary layer and the reticular layer.

What is the role of dermal papillae?

Dermal papillae increase the surface area for exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the dermis and epidermis, and they also contribute to fingerprints.

What is melanin?

Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin its color and provides protection against UV radiation.

What are sudoriferous glands?

Sudoriferous glands are sweat glands that help regulate body temperature and excrete waste.

What is the difference between eccrine and apocrine glands?

Eccrine glands produce watery sweat and are widespread for cooling, while apocrine glands produce thicker secretion found in armpits and groin, associated with body odor.

What is the structure of hair?

Hair consists of the hair follicle, hair shaft, hair bulb, hair matrix, and hair cuticle.

Where is hair formed?

Hair is formed in the hair follicle, specifically by dividing cells in the hair matrix.

What are nails primarily made of?

keratin.

What is the role of blood vessels in temperature regulation?

Blood vessels in the dermis help regulate body temperature by dilating to release heat when the body is warm and constricting to retain heat when the body is cold.

What are the four major categories of body tissues?

The four major categories of body tissues are epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

What is the difference between simple epithelium and stratified epithelium?

single layer of cells, while the other consists of multiple layers of cells.

What are the types of exocrine secretion?

The types of exocrine secretion include merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine glands.

What are the key characteristics of connective tissue?

Key characteristics of connective tissue include collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and ground substance.

What are the types of connective tissue?

Types of connective tissue include connective tissue proper (dense and loose), cartilage, blood, and bone.