Anatomy & Physiology: A Focus on the Integumentary System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the Integumentary System, focusing on the structure and functions of the skin and its components.

Integumentary System

Covers the body and consists of skin and accessory structures (nails, hair, glands).

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin, made up of stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The deeper layer of skin composed of dense irregular connective tissue.

Subcutaneous Layer

Also known as hypodermis, it is deep to the dermis and consists of loose connective tissue and fat.

Stratum Basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis, composed of a single row of cuboidal to low columnar cells.

Keratinocytes

The primary cell type in the epidermis responsible for the production of keratin.

Melanocytes

Cells in the stratum basale that produce and store the pigment melanin.

Tactile Cells

Also known as Merkel cells, they are sensitive to touch and stimulate nerve endings.

Stratum Spinosum

The layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes begin to become more flattened.

Stratum Granulosum

A layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes begin keratinization and start to die.

Stratum Lucidum

This translucent layer is found only in thick skin such as palms and soles.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, keratinized cells.

Epidermal Dendritic Cells

Also known as Langerhans cells, these cells are involved in immune response.

Thickness of Skin

Thick skin has all five epidermal strata and is found in areas like palms and soles, while thin skin covers most of the body.

Skin Color Factors

Skin color arises from the interaction of hemoglobin, melanin, and carotene.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and gives a red hue to skin.

Melanin

A dark pigment produced by melanocytes which provides color to the skin.

Albinism

A genetic condition where melanocytes do not produce melanin, leading to pale skin.

Freckles

Localized areas of increased melanin activity, appearing as yellow or brown spots.

Nevus (Mole)

A localized overgrowth of melanocytes that should be monitored for changes.

Lines of Cleavage

Orientation of collagen fibers in the dermis that indicates where skin will heal best after cuts.

Papillary Layer

The uppermost layer of the dermis made up of areolar connective tissue.

Reticular Layer

The deeper layer of the dermis composed of dense irregular connective tissue.

Sebaceous Glands

Holocrine glands that produce oil (sebum) for hair and skin lubrication.

Sweat Glands

Exocrine glands that include eccrine and apocrine glands, responsible for perspiration.

ApoCrine Glands

A type of sweat gland that secretes into hair follicles and is associated with odor.

Eccrine Glands

Sweat glands that are widely distributed and crucial for thermoregulation.

Hair Follicle

The structure from which hair grows, consisting of several layers of cells.

Hair Shaft

The visible part of the hair that extends above the skin surface.

Hair Bulb

The rounded structure at the base of the hair follicle that contains living cells.

Hair Growth

The process wherein hair follicles cycle between growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shed (exogen).

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss.

Melanoma

A cancer of melanocytes; it is highly metastatic and dangerous.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common and least malignant form of skin cancer that arises from stratum basale.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A cancer that arises from keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum; can metastasize.

Vitamin D Synthesis

The process initiated by UV light exposure that helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels.

Skin Aging Factors

Includes decreased stem cell activity, reduction in collagen and elastic fibers.

Tattoos

Permanent designs created by injecting ink into the dermis layer of the skin.

Friction Ridges

The unique patterns on fingertips formed by large folds of skin, contributing to fingerprints.

Dermatology

The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases.

Wound Healing

The process by which the skin repairs itself, involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell production leading to scaly patches.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Includes UV radiation exposure, skin type, and family history.

Hypodermis

Also known as the subcutaneous layer; not considered a part of the integumentary system.

Regeneration

Replacement of damaged cells with the same cell type, restoring function.

Fibrosis

Repair process that results in scar tissue formation, with loss of original tissue function.

Thermal Regulation

The ability of the skin to maintain body temperature through various mechanisms, including blood vessel dilation and sweating.

Sensitivity to Touch

The ability of the skin to detect tactile stimuli using specialized sensory receptors.

Apocrine Gland Secretions

Produce thick, cloudy secretions that can lead to body odor when metabolized by bacteria.

Sebum

The oily substance produced by sebaceous glands to lubricate skin and hair.

Hair Color Variations

Determined by the type and amount of melanin produced in hair follicles.

Melanocyte Function

Melanocytes produce melanin and transport it to keratinocytes to protect DNA from UV radiation.

UV Radiation Types

Includes UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, with UVC being absorbed by the atmosphere.

Skin Markings

Includes moles, freckles, and hemangiomas that have various causes and implications.

Lines of Cleavage (Tension Lines)

Lines in the skin that indicate the orientation of underlying collagen fibers.

Keratinization

The process by which keratinocytes produce keratin and die off, forming the outer layer of skin.

Immune Function of Skin

Dendritic cells in skin function as antigen-presenting cells to initiate immune responses.

Transdermal Drug Administration

The delivery of medication through the skin using patches or creams.

Skin Stress Response

Alterations in collagen orientation that occur in response to physical stress or injury.

Vascular Network in Skin

Extensive blood vessels in the dermis enabling nutrient delivery and thermoregulation.

Growth Factors in Skin

Substances that promote cell growth, healing, and tissue regeneration within the skin.

Sensation of Pressure

Mechanoreceptors within the skin that detect changes in pressure and texture.

Calcium Absorption Regulation

The role of vitamin D derived from skin in maintaining calcium levels in the body.

Skin Irritation

A common predisposing factor for skin cancer, often resulting from UV exposure.

Nutrition's Role in Skin Health

Balanced nutrition contributes to the maintenance and repair of skin integrity.

Hair Follicle Anatomy

Includes the bulb, root, and shaft, playing vital roles in hair growth.

Collagen Production

Fibroblasts in the dermis are responsible for producing collagen essential for skin strength.

Temperature Control Mechanisms

Includes vasodilation and sweating to cool the body and vasoconstriction to conserve heat.

Adipose Tissue in Hypodermis

Provides insulation and energy storage, vital for thermoregulation.

Role of UV Exposure on Skin

Initiates vitamin D synthesis but also poses risks for skin damage and cancer.

Stem Cells in Skin

Undifferentiated cells in the epidermis that divide to replenish damaged or dead skin cells.

Pregnancy Effects on Skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to skin changes like increased pigmentation.

Importance of Vitamin D

Crucial for calcium metabolism and overall health; synthesized in the skin.

Wound Repair Process

Includes hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation phases.

Environmental Factors on Skin Aging

Factors like UV exposure and smoking accelerate the aging process in skin.

Skin Diseases Overview

Includes various conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis affecting skin health.

Diagnosis of Skin Conditions

Requires clinical evaluation often assisted by dermatological examinations.

Prevention of Skin Damage

Involves protective measures such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive UV exposure.