A&P 1: Integumentary System Flashcards
4 main functions of the integumentary system
i. protecting the body
ii. temperature regulation
iii. production of vitamin D
iv. sensations
Skin
the largest body organ
3 layers of skin
epidermis (superficial), dermis (middle), and hypodermis (deepest)
3 cell types in the epidermis
i. keratinocytes
ii. basal cells
iii. melanocytes
Keratinocytes
most abundant type in the epidermis; squamous cells filled with keratin that provide toughness and tear resistance; tight junctions and desmosomes link them together and exocytosis allow them to release lipids, helping to waterproof the epidermis; take up melanin through endocytosis
Basal Cells
stem cells found at the bottom of the epidermis; they regenerate the epidermis by continuously dividing to make new keratinocytes
Melanocytes
located deep in the epidermis; produce melanin and release it by exocytosis; everyone has the same number of melanocytes, but some people produce more melanin than others
Melanin
- tan-colored protein and the human body’s natural sunblock chemical; absorbs UV rays and protects the body from UV damage
- people produce lighter or darker forms of melanin; there are six varieties of melanin
Callous
increased thickness in a region of the epidermis; caused by friction/rubbing; basal cells sense the friction, and this triggers more cell division, so there are more keratinocytes being made than those being shed
Dandruff
increased shedding of keratinocytes in the scalp; caused by a fungal keratinocyte infection that kills them off and makes them shed prematurely
Psoriasis
auto-immune disease where keratinocytes are mistaken for microbes by the immune system, leading to premature shedding; can be treated with immunosuppressive medications
Dermis
middle layer of the skin; made of connective tissue
2 regions of the dermis
i. papillary region
ii. reticular region
Papillary Region
contains:
* areolar connective tissue that binds the epidermis and dermis together
* blood vessels, nerves, sensory receptors, lymphatic vessels
* dermal papillae: ridges/bumps that project up into the epidermis; increase binding of the epidermis to the dermis; they’re larger in thicker areas of the skin (i.e., palms +soles) and this forms prints
Reticular Region
consists of dense irregular connective tissue, providing the skin with toughness; contains blood vessels, nerves, sensory receptors, oil glands, hair follicles, lymphatic vessels, and bodies of sweat
Hypodermis
bottom layer of the skin, also called the “subcutaneous layer”; composed of adipose tissue, stores triglycerides for fuel, insulates heat, and pads the body
3 factors/pigments that contribute to skin color
i. melanin
ii. carotene
iii. hemoglobin
Carotene
a type of vitamin A; orange-colored chemical that gives the skin its orangish hue; also found in yellow and orange vegetables
Hemoglobin
red-colored protein in blood that makes the skin a reddish color; blood in the capillaries of the dermis and hypodermis help make the skin appear red
Suntan
high melanin production in the skin; UV stimulates the melanocytes to produce more melanin
Freckles
small patches of skin where melanocytes produce a high amount of melanin
Mole
a high number of melanocytes and large amount of produced melanin in a region of the skin