Integumentary System Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key anatomical terms, cell types, skin layers, glands, and conditions discussed in the Integumentary System lecture transcript.

Hypodermis

Also known as the subcutaneous tissue, this layer lies beneath the dermis and contains adipose tissue (fat) and major blood vessels like veins and arteries.

Keratocytes

Epidermal cells that produce keratin, a protective protein that makes high wear-and-tear areas like the hands and feet stronger and more durable.

Melanocytes

Specialized cells in the epidermis that produce melanin to give skin its color, with skin tone depending on the number of active melanocytes.

Dendritic Cells

Macrophages in the epidermis that perform endocytosis to monitor and ingest foreign substances.

Tactile Epithelial Cells

Sensory cells located in the epidermis that allow for the perception of touch.

Stratum Basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis, consisting of a single row of stem cells that undergo mitosis for cell division and regeneration.

Stratum Spinosum

The prickly layer of the epidermis where keratin filaments begin attaching to cells.

Stratum Granulosum

The epidermal layer where keratinization begins, causing cells pushed above it to die and providing water resistance to prevent water loss.

Stratum Lucidum

A clear layer of the epidermis found exclusively in thick skin, transitional to the stratum granulosum.

Stratum Corneum

The most superficial layer of the epidermis, composed of 20 to 30 layers of dead cells that flake off and prevent water loss.

Papillary Layer

The superficial layer of the dermis composed of loose areolar connective tissue containing phagocytes and dermal papillae.

Reticular Layer

The deeper layer of the dermis composed of dense connective tissue containing cleavage lines and flexure lines.

Friction Ridges

Structures on the fingertips that enlarge fingerprints and provide gripping ability.

Cleavage Lines

Structural lines in the reticular dermis; surgical incisions made parallel to these lines heal faster with less tissue tearing.

Flexure Lines

Dermal folds or markings visible on the skin where joints naturally flex, such as on the wrists, elbows, and hands.

Striae

The technical medical term for stretch marks.

Carotene

A yellow to orange pigment obtained from orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers that converts to Vitamin A for vision.

Cyanosis

A blue skin discoloration caused by a severe lack of oxygen, often seen in cases of choking or respiratory distress.

Pallor

A pale or blanched skin appearance associated with low blood pressure or reduced oxygen levels.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes that is directly associated with liver conditions.

Cuticle (Hair)

The outermost, scale-like layer of a hair strand that anchors and protects the inner hair structure.

Pheomelanin

An additional pigment found in hair that provides red hair with its distinctive color.

Arrector Pili

The smooth muscle associated with hair follicles that contracts to cause goosebumps.

Vellus Hair

Fine, pale body hair found commonly on children and adult females.

Terminal Hair

Coarse, longer hair found on the scalp, eyebrows, and in pubic and axillary regions, developing heavily during puberty.

Alopecia

The clinical term for hair loss or baldness.

Hirsutism

A condition in females characterized by excessive hair growth in a male distribution pattern, such as a full beard, often caused by PCOS.

Lunula

The white, crescent moon-shaped area located at the base of the nail plate.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Also called merocrine glands, these abundant sweat glands cover most of the body and produce sweat that is 99% water along with metabolic wastes.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Glands located in the axillary and anogenital areas that produce a milky, yellowish sweat that creates body odor when broken down by bacteria.

Ceruminous Glands

Specialized modified sweat glands that secrete cerumen, commonly known as earwax.

Sebaceous Glands

Oil glands that secrete sebum to moisturize the skin, keep tissue pliable, and inhibit bacterial growth.

Comedones

Skin lesions caused by clogged pores, appearing as open, oxidized blackheads or closed whiteheads.

Acid Mantle

The slightly acidic coating on the surface of the skin created by sweat, which acts to retard bacterial growth.

Meissner's Corpuscles

Tactile nerve endings located superficially in the skin that sense light touch.

Pacinian Corpuscles

Deep sensory receptors in the dermal layer of the skin that detect deep touch and pressure.