Integumentary_System_TEACHER Study_Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Integumentary System, focusing on the structure and function of skin and hair.

Epidermis

The top layer of skin, avascular and made up of squamous epithelium.

Keratin

A protein that provides skin with waterproofing properties; when cells die, they fill with keratin.

Dermis

The middle layer of skin, composed of blood/lymph vessels, nerve fibers, and accessory organs.

Fibroblasts

Cells that produce fibers, including collagen.

Collagen

A tough and flexible fibrous protein produced by fibroblasts, found in skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Histiocytes

Phagocytic cells that engulf foreign substances, also known as macrophages.

Mast Cells

Cells that respond to insults by producing and releasing histamine and heparin.

Histamine

A chemical released in response to allergens that causes itching.

Heparin

An anticoagulant chemical released in response to injury.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance.

Sudoriferous Glands

Sweat glands that include apocrine and eccrine types.

Apocrine Glands

Sweat glands that produce and secrete strong smelling substances into the hair follicles.

Eccrine Glands

Sweat glands that produce and secrete water, salt, and waste as sweat.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified sweat glands in the ear canal that produce cerumen (earwax).

Hypodermis

The deepest layer of skin, also known as the subcutaneous layer, containing connective tissue.

Adipocytes

Cells that make fats, also known as lipids.

Cuticle (Hair Shaft)

One cell layer thick and appears scaly.

Cortex (Hair Shaft)

The main component of the hair shaft, responsible for coat color and several cell layers thick.

Medulla (Hair Shaft)

The innermost component of the hair shaft.

Hair Follicle

Tubes that hold hair fibers and expand to form a hair bulb.

Arrector Pili

A tiny muscle attached to the hair follicle that causes the hair to stand erect.

Piloerection

The condition of hair standing straight up.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

A protein that stimulates cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation by binding to its receptor, EGFR.

Melanin

A pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes; it protects against UV radiation.

Collagenesis

The process of collagen production which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and strength.

Skin Barrier Function

The ability of the skin to act as a barrier against external factors such as pathogens and harmful chemicals.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature despite fluctuations in environmental temperature.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels which increases blood flow to the skin, aiding in thermoregulation.

Wound Healing

A complex process that involves hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling to restore skin integrity.