CH. 4 Anatomy Vocab

Epithelial membrane

• membranes composed of epithelial tissue with an underlying layer of connective tissue; covering and lining membranes.

Cutaneous membrane

• the skin; composed of epidermal and dermal layers.

Mucous membrane 

• membrane that forms the linings of body cavities open to the exterior (digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts).

Serous fluid 

• a clear, watery fluid secreted by the cells of a serous membrane.

Peritoneum 

• the serous membrane lining the interior of the abdominal cavity and covering the surfaces of the abdominal organs.

Pleurae 

• The serous membrane covering the lung and lining the thoracic cavity.

Pericardia 

• The membranous sac enveloping the heart.

Synovial membranes 

• membrane that lines the fibrous capsule of a synovial joint.

Integumentary system 

• the skin and its accessory organs.

Epidermis 

• the outer layers of the skin; an epithelium.

Dermis 

• the deep layer of the skin; composed of dense, irregular connective tissue.

Hypodermis 

• adipose tissue beneath the skin.

Keratin 

• a tough, insoluble protein found in tissues such as hair, nails, and epidermis of the skin.

Stratum spinosum

• Cells contain thick bundles of intermediate filaments made of pre-keratin.

Stratum granulosum 

• Cells are flattened, organelles are deteriorating; cytoplasm full of granules.

Stratum lucidum 

• Clear layer; found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Stratum corneum 

• Cells are dead, flat membranous sacs filled with keratin.

Stratum basale 

• Stem cells are actively dividing; some newly formed cells become part of the more superficial layers

Melanin 

• the dark pigment synthesized by melanocytes; responsible for skin color.

Epidermal dendritic cells 

• Sentries that alert and activate immune system cells to a threat.

Papillary layer 

• superficial layer of dermis bordering epidermis; contains dermal papillae, the cause of fingerprints.

Dermal papillae 

• Peglike projections on the superior surface that indent the epidermis above.

Reticular layer 

• deep layer of the dermis; contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and is highly vascular.

Merkel cells 

• cells associated with nerve endings that serve as touch receptors.

Decubitus ulcers 

• (Bedsores) Formed by blood supply to the skin being restricted for a prolonged period of time.

Cyanosis 

• a bluish coloration of the mucous membranes and skin caused by deficient oxygenation of the blood.

Sebaceous glands 

• glands that empty their sebum secretion into hair follicles.

Sebum 

• the oily secretion of sebaceous glands.

Seborrhea 

• Fast-flowing sebum caused by overactivity of the sebaceous glands.

Sudoriferous glands

• the glands that produce a saline solution called sweat.