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Integumentary and Skeletal Systems Study Guide

Integumentary System

  1. Name the tissue types composing the epidermis and dermis and list the major layers of each and describe the functions of each layer.

  2. Describe the factors that normally contribute to skin color.

  3. Compare the structure, locations of the various types of glands associated with skin.

  4. List the parts of a hair follicle and explain the function of each part and describe the distribution, growth, replacement, and changing nature of hair during the life span.

  5. Describe the structure of nails.

  6. Describe how to determine the extent of a burn and differentiate first, second, and third degree burns.

    • First:

    • Second: Blisters

    • Third: Blisters with white patches

  7. Summarize the characteristics of the three major types of skin cancers.

Skeletal System

  1. Describe the locations, structural, and functional properties of bone tissue and the three types of cartilage tissue.

  2. Name the major regions of the skeleton and describe their relative functions.

  3. Compare and contrast the structure of the four bone classes and provide examples of each class.

  4. Indicate the functional importance of bone markings.

  5. Describe the gross anatomy and histology of a typical long bone and flat bone.

  6. Compare and contrast intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification.

  7. Compare the locations and remodeling functions of the osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts.

  8. Explain how hormones and physical stress regulate bone remodeling.

  9. Compare and contrast the differing types of bone fractures.

  10. Describe the steps of fracture repair and contrast the disorders of bone remodeling seen in osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and Paget’s disease

  11. Identify the major parts and individual bones of the axial and appendicular skeletons, describe their relative functions and identify their important functions.

  12. Describe the structure of the vertebral column, list its components, and describe its curvatures.

  13. Discuss the structure of a typical vertebrae and describe the regional features of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.

  14. Differentiate true from false ribs.

  15. Describe differences in the male and female pelvis and relate these to functional differences.

  16. Describe how skeletal proportions change through life.

Integumentary System

  1. Name the tissue types composing the epidermis and dermis and list the major layers of each and describe the functions of each layer.

    • Epidermis: The outermost layer composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Major layers include:

      • Stratum Corneum: Outermost layer providing a barrier to water loss and protecting underlying layers.

      • Stratum Lucidum: Present only in thick skin (such as palms and soles) for additional protection.

      • Stratum Granulosum: Where keratinocytes begin to lose their nuclei and become more flattened, providing durability and water-resistance.

      • Stratum Spinosum: Provides strength and flexibility to the skin, with cells interconnected by desmosomes.

      • Stratum Basale: The deepest layer where mitosis occurs, producing new skin cells.

    • Dermis: The thicker layer beneath the epidermis made of connective tissue with two major regions:

      • Papillary Layer: Contains blood vessels and sensory neurons, enhancing nutrient supply to the epidermis and providing touch sensitivity.

      • Reticular Layer: Contains dense irregular connective tissue, housing larger blood vessels, hair follicles, and glands, contributing to the skin's strength and resilience.

  2. Describe the factors that normally contribute to skin color.

    • Skin color is influenced by several factors including the type and amount of melanin produced by melanocytes, carotene deposits, and hemoglobin levels in blood vessels. Exposure to UV radiation also stimulates melanin production, which can lead to tanning or darkening of the skin.

  3. Compare the structure, locations of the various types of glands associated with skin.

    • Sebaceous Glands: Located near hair follicles, they secrete sebum which lubricates the skin and hair.

    • Sweat Glands: Divided into eccrine (found all over the body and help regulate temperature) and apocrine (located in axillary and genital areas, becoming active during puberty). They secrete fluid that helps in thermoregulation and may release pheromones.

    • Mammary Glands: Specialized sweat glands that produce milk, found in the breasts.

  4. List the parts of a hair follicle and explain the function of each part and describe the distribution, growth, replacement, and changing nature of hair during the life span.

    • Parts of a Hair Follicle:

      • Hair Bulb: The base where hair growth occurs.

      • Hair Papilla: Contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the hair.

      • Arrector Pili Muscle: Causes hair to stand up when contracted, producing goosebumps.

    • Hair grows in cycles and is replaced periodically. The rate of hair growth and density can change due to various factors including hormonal changes and age.

  5. Describe the structure of nails.

    • Nails are composed of hard keratin and consist of several parts:

      • Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail.

      • Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate, rich in blood vessels.

      • Nail Matrix: The area where nail growth occurs.

      • Cuticle: Skin that overlaps the base of the nail, protecting the matrix.

  6. Describe how to determine the extent of a burn and differentiate first, second, and third degree burns.

    • First Degree: Affects only the epidermis, causing redness and minor pain without blisters.

    • Second Degree: Affects both the epidermis and dermis, leading to blisters, swelling, and more intense pain.

    • Third Degree: Involves all layers of skin, causing white or charred skin, significant pain may be absent due to nerve damage.

    • The extent of burn can be determined using the Rule of Nines, assessing the percentage of total body surface area affected.

  7. Summarize the characteristics of the three major types of skin cancers.

    • Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, arises from the basal cells in the epidermis. Often appears as a sore that doesn’t heal and is generally slow-growing.

    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type arises from squamous cells; it can spread more quickly than basal cell carcinoma and often appears as a red, scaly patch or sore that won’t heal.

    • Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes. It can spread rapidly to other parts of the body and usually presents as a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual-looking mole.

Skeletal System

  1. Describe the locations, structural, and functional properties of bone tissue and the three types of cartilage tissue.

    • Bone Tissue: Hard and dense, composed of organic and inorganic components, providing structure, protection, and mineral storage. Types include:

      • Compact Bone: Dense outer layer, providing strength and support.

      • Spongy Bone: Lighter, less dense, found mainly at the ends of long bones and in the interior of other bones, housing marrow for blood cell production.

    • Types of Cartilage:

      • Hyaline Cartilage: Most common type, found in joints, rib cage, and nose, providing smooth surfaces for joint movement.

      • Elastic Cartilage: Found in areas requiring flexibility, such as the ear and epiglottis.

      • Fibrocartilage: Contains dense collagen fibers, provides tensile strength and is found in intervertebral discs and the pubic symphysis.

  2. Name the major regions of the skeleton and describe their relative functions.

    • Axial Skeleton: Comprises the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, providing central support and protection for internal organs.

    • Appendicular Skeleton: Consists of the bones of the limbs and girdles, facilitating movement and interaction with the environment.

  3. Compare and contrast the structure of the four bone classes and provide examples of each class.

    • Long Bones: Length greater than width (e.g., femur, humerus).

    • Short Bones: Approximately equal in length and width (e.g., carpals, tarsals).

    • Flat Bones: Thin and flat (e.g., skull bones, ribs).

    • Irregular Bones: Complex shapes that don’t fit into other categories (e.g., vertebrae, hip bones).

  4. Indicate the functional importance of bone markings.

    • Bone markings provide attachment points for muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as pathways for blood vessels and nerves. They play crucial roles in joint movement and leverage.

  5. Describe the gross anatomy and histology of a typical long bone and flat bone.

    • Long Bone: Composed of a diaphysis (shaft) and epiphysis (ends), with a medullary cavity housing marrow. Contains compact bone surrounding a spongy bone interior.

    • Flat Bone: Composed of two layers of compact bone with a middle layer of spongy bone (diploë), providing strength without adding weight.