4 Integumentary System Flashcards
skin
largest organ in the body, it absorbs nutrients, regulates body temperature, and eliminates waste
epidermis
outermost layer of skin, made of epithelial tissue
dermis
middle layer of skin, made of connective tissue
hypodermis
deepest fatty layer of skin, in contact with the muscles underneath it
integumentary system
consists of skin, hair, and nails
sensory nerve receptors
located in the dermis, they respond to touch and pass signals to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system
sebaceous (oil) glands
produce sebum, or oil, which protects the skin and hair from drying and inhibits bacterial growth
sudoriferous (sweat) glands
produce sweat, which allows the body to regulate temperature by cooling as it evaporates
vitamin D
produced in the skin in response to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it is modified in the liver and kidneys to promote bone development
hair
made of dead epidermal cells that have been converted to keratin, each hair consists of a root, a follicle, and a shaft
hair growth
cells in the hair matrix at the base of the bulb divide and push upwards
arrector pili
a smooth muscle attached to hair follicles that causes “goose bumps” to appear on the skin when contracted
hair shaft
visible part of the hair, made of dead keratinized cells
hair function
cushions and insulates, protects the nose, ears and eyes from small particles, and aids in the perception of touch
nails
hard plates of dead epidermal cells that have been converted to keratin