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

What are the major functions of skin?

protection, sensation, temperature regulation, excretion, vitamin D production, and prevention of water loss.

What are the three main layers of skin?

epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

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

Stratum Basale, Stratum Spinosum, Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Lucidum, and Stratum Corneum.

What is the function of the Stratum Basale?

responsible for the constant division of cells to produce new skin cells.

What is the function of the Stratum Spinosum?

provides strength and flexibility to the skin.

What is the function of the Stratum Granulosum?

helps to waterproof the skin and prevent water loss.

What is the function of the Stratum Lucidum?

provides an extra layer of protection in thick skin areas.

What is the function of 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 papillary layer and the reticular layer.

What is the role of 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?

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

What are sudoriferous glands?

sweat glands that help regulate body temperature and excrete waste.

eccrine and apocrine glands?

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

What is the structure of hair?

the hair follicle, hair shaft, hair bulb, hair matrix, and hair cuticle.

Where is hair formed?

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?

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?

epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

simple epithelium and stratified epithelium?

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

What are the types of exocrine secretion?

merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine glands.

key characteristics of connective tissue?

collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and ground substance.

What are the types of connective tissue?

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