(A&P 400) Integumentary System Flashcards
what is integumentary system
The integumentary system consists of the skin and various accessory structures
integument
Can be referred to as skin or integument
Integumentary system overview
.
what percetnage of body weight
12-16 % of total body weight
Largest organ in the body by weight
skin is
Body’s first line of defense against environment
TWO major components of integ system
Cutaneous membrane
Accessory structures
CUTANEOUS MEMBRANE
epidermis
dermis
–> papillary layer
–> reticular layer
(subcutaneous layer)
—> hypodermis
–> not part of cutaneous membrane?
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
hair shaft
pore of sweat gland duct
tactile (Meissner’s) corpuscle
sebaceous glands
arrector pili muscle
sweat gland duct
hair follicle
Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscle
Nerve fibres
sweat glands
functions of integumentary system
Protect underlying tissues and organs against impact, abrasion, fluid loss, chemical attack
function vs BLOOD
Acts as a blood reservoir (dermis)
epidermis not vascular, DERMIS VASCULAR
epidermis and cornea
At least four types of tissue. Don’t have a blood supply. One is in your cartilage. Another’s in your eye.
The third’s between your backbones. Between each vertebra. The nucleus pulposus. Is quite avascular.
The last is found all over. The outer part of skin. The epidermis layer. Does not have vessels in.
Fascia is a fifth
function vs temp
Maintain normal body temperature through either vasodilation, vasoconstriction, insulation or evaporative cooling, as needed
function vs excrete
Excrete salts, water, and organic wastes through integumentary glands
sensory function
Detect touch, pressure, pain, and temperature stimuli, and relay the information to the nervous system
functions overview
protect
blood reservoire
temperature hom
excretion
sensory
**
vitamin D
melanin
keratin
Store lipids
skin produce
Synthesizes vitamin D3
Produce melanin, which protects underlying tissue from UV radiation
Produce keratin, which protects against abrasion and serves as water repellent
integumentary system stores
Stores lipids in adipocytes in the dermis
and adipose tissue in the subcutaneous layer (HYPODERMIS)
1) Cutaneous membrane
Epidermis (epi, above)
Composed of stratified squamous epithelium
Dermis
—> Papillary layer ((LOOSE) areolar connective tissue)
—> Reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue)
Subcutaneous Layer
Subcutaneous Layer
Not technically a layer of the skin
Aka HYPODERMIS or SUPERFICIAL FASCIA
Separates integument from deep fascia
2) Accessory structures
Hairs
Nails
Exocrine glands
Sebaceous glands
Sweat glands
Sensory receptors and
nerve fibers
Arrector pili muscles
Cutaneous plexus (network of blood vessels)
EPIDERMIS
..
Basic Structure of the Epidermis
Superficial, thinner layer of the cutaneous membrane
Epithelial tissue
epidermis structure
Multiple layers (strata) of tightly packed squamous cells
Stratified squamous epithelium
epidermis is
Avascular
There are 4 major cell types in the epidermis:
Keratinocytes
—> The primary cell type in the epidermis
Melanocytes
Langerhans cells
(type of macrophage (WBC))
—> aka INTRAEPIDERMAL MACROPHAGE
Tactile epithelial cells
—> aka MERKEL cells
what does melanin do
Produce melanin, which protects underlying tissue from UV radiation
what does keratinocyte do
Produce keratin, which protects against abrasion and serves as water repellent
KERATINOCYTES
90-95% of epidermal cells
Produce and accumulate keratin (a tough, fibrous protein)
—> protects skin and underlying tissue from mechanical stress, heat, microbes, and chemicals
WHAT ELSE DO KERATINOCYTES PRODUCE
also produce LAMELLAR GRANULES
—> waterproof sealant
MELANOCYTES
produce melanin (pigment)
absorbs damaging ultraviolet (UV) light & contributes to skin colour
transfer melanin to keratinocytes via slender projections that extend between cells (dendrites)
inside keratinocytes, melanin covers & protects nuclear material
WHAT DOES MELANIN DO INSIDE KERATINOCYTES
inside keratinocytes, melanin covers & protects nuclear material
Langerhans Cells (AKA INTRAEPIDERMAL MACROPHAGES)
tissue-resident dendritic cell of the skin
small fraction of epidermal cells
derived from BONE MARROW STEM CELLS (WBC precursor/progenitor)
Tactile Epithelial Cells (aka Merkel cells)
least numerous of epidermal cells
contact a tactile disc (sensory structure)
function in the sensation of touch
EPITHELIAL CELLS THAT TRANSMIT TOUCH TO NERVOUS SYSTEM CELLS (??)
Epidermal layers overview
Entire epidermis lacks blood vessels
…
where do cells get O2/nutrient / recycle waste
Cells get oxygen and nutrients from capillaries in the dermis
how is epidermis structurally organized as a result of lack of BV
Cells with highest metabolic demand are closest to the dermis
how long does it take for new cells to move from deepest stratum layer to most superficial layer of epidermis (skin) ?
Takes about 7–10 days for cells to move from the deepest stratum to the most superficial layer
what happens to cells at superficial layer of epidermis?
Cells in surface layer (STRATUM CORNEUM) remain about 2 weeks before being shed or washed away
stratum corneum
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and marks the final stage of keratinocyte maturation and development.
Keratinocytes at the basal layer of the epidermis are proliferative, and as the cells mature up the epidermis, they slowly lose proliferative potential and undergo programmed destruction.
epidermal layers – DEEP TO SUPERFICIAL (5 layers)
Stratum basale
Stratum spinosum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum lucidum (only in thick skin)
Stratum corneum
lucidum etymology
Etymology. From Latin tapetum (“tapestry”) and lūcidum (“bright, shining, clear”) the neuter of lūcidum, literally “bright tapestry”.
thin skin
Covers most of body surface
Contains four strata (layers) (NOT LUCIDUM)
Thick skin
Found on palms of hands and soles of feet
Contains five strata (layers)
—> including stratum lucidum
No hair
Stratum basale
1 layer of cuboidal or columnar basal cells (basal keratinocytes)
stratum basale – how attach to basement membrane?
Attached to basement membrane by hemidesmosomes & to other cells via desmosomes
stratum basale – most cells are
Most cells here are basal cells, stem cells that divide to replace more superficial keratinocytes
which other cells present @ Stratum basale?
Also contains Merkel cells and melanocytes
MERKEL CELLS
–> closer to base = closer to nerve cell + plate that it attaches to and sends tactile signals toward
melanocytes?
—> possibly so melanocytes can receive O2/nutrients quicker to produce melanin more effectively
what happens if stratum basale is damaged?
If this layer is damaged, new skin cannot be generated (skin graft necessary)
—> (minor) damage = scars (?)
Stratum spinosum (“spiny layer” or “prickle layer”)
Composed of 8–10 layers of keratinocytes bound together by desmosomes
Provides strength and flexibility
Only looks spiny when on a prepared slide
spinosum etymlogy
The name spinosum is Latin for prickly, spiny,
what does Statum spinosum contain?
Contains Langerhans cells
why spinosum contain langerhans cells?
Langerhans cells are dendritic cells derived from the bone marrow in the stratum spinosum that have an immunologic function. They are identical to tissue macrophages and present antigens to lymphocytes.
CHATGPT
“Location and Function: The stratum spinosum is positioned just above the stratum basale (the deepest layer of the epidermis) and below the stratum granulosum. It’s a good location for Langerhans cells to carry out their function of detecting and processing antigens that penetrate the skin. Langerhans cells are crucial for initiating immune responses by capturing and presenting antigens to T cells.”
CHATGPT
“the stratum spinosum offers a strategic location for Langerhans cells to perform their role in immune defense while maintaining important interactions with other skin cells.”
note keratinocytes of Stratum Spinosum and MELANIN
melanin taken in by keratinocytes (endocytosis) from nearby melanocytes
Stratum granulosum (“grainy layer”)
Composed of 3–5 layers of keratinocytes
Most cells have stopped dividing and started producing KERATIN and KERATOHYALIN
keratohyalin
Keratohyalin is a protein structure found in cytoplasmic granules of the keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis.
keratinocytes in stratum granulosum
Cells grow thinner and flatter
Cell membranes thicken and become less permeable
how is stratum granolosum significant (what does it mark?)
Marks the transition between the deeper, metabolically active strata and dead cells of superficial strata
stratum granulosum and LAMELLAR GRANULES
Contain LAMELLAR GRANULES that release water repellant lipid into cell spaces (of stratums granulosum, lucidum & corneum)
Stratum lucidum (“clear layer”)
Found only in thick skin
3-5 layers of flat, dead cells that appear clear
Flattened, densely packed dead cells filled with KERATIN AND KERATOHYALIN
Adds additional layer of toughness to thick skin
Stratum corneum (cornu, horn)
Outermost, protective region with 15–30 layers of keratinized cells (filled with KERATIN)
what are cells of stratum corneum connected via?
Dead cells still tightly connected by desmosomes
are cells of stratum corneum waterproof? Or water-resistant?
Water resistant, not waterproof
Lose water through insensible perspiration (unable to see or feel) and sensible perspiration (sweat)
SENSIBLE VS INSENSIBLE PERSPIRATION
insensible perspiration (unable to see or feel) and sensible perspiration (sweat)
Epidermal Keratinization
stem cells divide to produce keratinocytes
As keratinocytes are pushed up towards the surface they accumulate keratin
Keratinization ?
replacement of cell contents with keratin
occurs as cells move to the skin surface over 4-6 weeks
they move further away from blood (O2) supply of dermis
gradually they die, are sloughed off, and replaced by cells moving up
NOTE EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF)
epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other hormone-like proteins play a role in epidermal growth
Epidermal Ridges
Deeper layers of epidermis form epidermal ridges
Adjacent to dermal papillae (papilla, nipple-shaped mound)
Increase surface area for better attachment
Fingerprints vs Epidermal ridges
Pattern of epidermal ridges on surface of fingertips
Unique pattern that does not change during lifetime
Prints of these patterns (fingerprints) used to identify individual
Disorders of the Epidermis
..
Dandruff
excessive amount of keratinized cells shed from scalp
double the normal amount in larger clusters, becomes more visible
Dandruff – causes/ risk factors
Dry skin
Irritated, oily skin
Infections
Psoriasis
chronic skin disorder with genetic link
Cause poorly understood
psoriasis pathophysiology
Rapidly dividing keratinocytes
cells shed in 3 to 5 days as flaky silvery scales
immature keratinocytes produce abnormal keratin
psoriasis, distinctive feature
well-circumscribed (confined?) erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales
psoriasis, commonly found @
commonly found at extensor surfaces (knees, elbows), trunk, and scalp
psoriasis types
Plaque psoriasis
Nail psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis
Most common type
Described on previous slide
well-circumscribed erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales
commonly found at extensor surfaces (knees, elbows), trunk, and scalp
Nail psoriasis
Psoriasis affecting finger or toenails
causes pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration
Nail loss may occur
Guttate psoriasis
usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat
primarily affects young adults and children
Characterized by small, drop-shaped, scaling spots on the trunk, arms or legs
guttate define
resembling drops or characterized by markings that resemble drops.
gutta = drop
guttatus = speckled
Calluses and Corns
Increased pressure or irritation of the skin leads to HYPERKERATOSIS
Increased keratinocytes in the stratum corneum leads to thickened skin
hyperkeratosis define
abnormal thickening of the outer layer of the skin.
Corns
Smaller, deeper than calluses
have a hard center surrounded by swollen skin
May be painful when pressed
form on the top of the toes or the outer edge of the small toe
calluses are…
where do they develop?
rarely painful
develop on pressure spots, such as the heels, the balls of the feet, the palms and the knees
Dermis overview
Layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis)
Connective tissue layer
Highly vascular
Dermis components
FIBRES:
collagen fibres
elastic fibers
CELLS:
fibroblasts
macrophages
fat cells
hair follicles
Glands
Nerves
Blood vessels
Dermis – fibres
collagen fibres
—> provide tensile strength (resist pushing and pulling)
elastic fibers
—> provide extensibility (ability to stretch) & elasticity (return to original shape)
Dermis – Cells
Fibroblasts
—> secrete ground substance & extracellular matrix
Macrophages
—> phagocytize bacteria & cellular debris
Adipocytes
—> store triglycerides
two distinct layers of the dermis:
- Papillary Region
—> superficial 20% of dermis - Reticular Region
—> deep 80% of dermis
1) Papillary layer of dermis
Named for dermal papillae in this region
—> anchor to epidermis
Composed of areolar tissue
—> thin collagen
—> elastic fibers
Provides cushioning
note way to remember papillary region being compose of AREOLAR CT
areolar etymology
—> “areola (n.) ‘colored circle around a nipple’ (areola papillaris), 1706, from Latin areola, literally “small area,” diminutive of area”
papillary etymology
—> “‘of, pertaining to, or resembling a nipple,’ 1660s, from Latin papilla “nipple” (see papilla) + -ary.”
Note again –> papillary region is like a “cushion” (like breasts)
Note the vasculature in PAPILLARY REGION
Contains:
—> capillary loops that feed epidermis
—> corpuscles of touch
—> free nerve endings for sensations of heat, cold, pain, tickle, and itch
do corpuscles of touch & other nerve endings connect to TACTILE EPITHELIAL CELLS?
presumably yes (?)
2) Reticular layer of dermis
Interwoven meshwork of dense irregular
connective tissue
—> with thick COLLAGEN and ELASTIC FIBRES
why dense irregular
force from various directions
reticular layer contains
blood and lymphatic vessels
nerve fibers
accessory organs (hair follicles, sebaceous and sudoriferous glands)
adipocytes
(note that fat is in dermis (cutaneous) as well as hypodermis (subcutaneous)
compare CONTENTS of papillary vs reticular layer
PAPILLARY
= capillary loops,
corpuscles of touch,
free nerve endings
RETICULAR
= BV, LV,
nn fibres (not just ends)
= accessory organs,
adipocytes
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT RETICULAR LAYER OF DERMIS
even though RETICULAR is in the name, it is NOT composed of reticular (LOOSE) CT
It is composed of DENSE IRREGULAR CT
biggest difference of contents between papillary and reticular layers of dermis
reticular layer contains ACCESSORY ORGANS and ADIPOCYTES
reticular layer contains the BV/nn FIBRES – NOT JUST THE loop/ends
disorders of DERMIS
..
Striae (Stretch Marks)
Excessive or quick stretching of the skin leads to dermal scarring
Dermis is torn, replaced with scar tissue
Most fade with time although may always be there
Striae causes, risk factors
Weight gain, muscle gain, or rapid growth
Pregnancy
Excess cortisol (Cushing syndrome)
SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER (aka HYPODERMIS or SUPERFICIAL FASCIA)
Fascia = sheet
In the body, fascia attaches, wraps, and/or separates deep structures
There is superficial and deep fascia
Subcutaneous layer (not part of skin)
Connective tissue that separates skin from deeper structures
Dominated by adipose tissue
—> Protect and support
—> Important energy storage site
Adipose accumulation pattern (men)
Neck, arms, lower back, buttocks
Adipose accumulation pattern (women)
Breasts, buttocks, hips, thighs
where does fat not generally accumulate regardless of gender?
where does it tend to accumulate regardless of gender?
Few cells on back of hands and surfaces of feet
More in abdominal region
the myth of the superficial fascia…
Fascial adhesions
Fascial stretching
Myofascial release
See —>
https://yogainternational.com/article/view/fascia-myths-and-fascia-facts/
summary:
Myth #1: Rolling on foam rollers and other massage tools breaks down fascial adhesions, knots, and scar tissue.
Myth #2: We feel pain in our bodies because our fascia is full of knots, adhesions, and scar tissue.
Myth #3: Our fascia can become dehydrated and rolling on massage tools helps to rehydrate it.