Anatomy Unit 3 Vocab

cutaneous membrane

another name for skin

Epithelial Membranes

thin sheets of tissue lining the internal and external surfaces of the body

Mucous Membranes

thin sheets of tissue lining the body cavities that open to the outside world

Serous Fluid

a thin, clear liquid that serves as a lubricant between parietal and visceral membranes

Serous Membranes

thin sheets of tissues that line body cavities closed to the outer world

Synovial Fluid

a clear liquid secreted by synovial membranes that provides cushioning for and reduces friction in synovial joints

Synovial Membrane

the lining of the synovial joint cavity that produces synovial fluid

Apocrine Glands

sweat glands located in the genital and armpit areas that secrete a milky fluid consisting of sweat, fatty acids, and proteins

Eccrine Glands

sweat glands located over the majority of the body that produce a clear, acidic fluid that consists of approximately 99% water, but it also contains waste products such as urea, uric acid, salts, and vitamin C

Epidermal Dendritic Cells (Langerhans Cells)

skin cells that initiate an immune system response to the presence of foreign bacteria or viruses

Keratin

a tough protein found in the skin, hair, and nails

Keratinocytes

cells within the epidermis that produce keratin

Melanin

a pigment that protects the body against the harmful effects of ultraviolet ray damage from the sun

Melanocytes

specialized cells in the skin that produce melanin

Merkel Cells

touch receptors in the skin

Sebaceous Glands

glands located all over the body that produce sebum

Sebum

an oily substance that helps to keep the skin and hair soft

Sudoriferous Glands

sweat glands that are distributed in the dermis over the entire body

Malignant Melanoma

cancer of the melanocytes; the most serious form of skin cancer

Peritonitis

inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the inner wall of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs

Pleurisy

inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that encases the lungs