AP1 M7.1 Anatomy of the Integumentary System Flashcards
The integumentary system
comprised of the skin, hair, and nails.
Skin
is the largest organ of the body. It is made up of the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and the hypodermis (inner, also called subcutaneous tissue layer)
Skin cells
absorb ultraviolet radiation to produce vitamin D, which is used to promote bone development.
integumentary system contains
the sensory receptors and glands used for protection of the skin and underlying tissues.
Integumentary system plays an important role
in protecting internal organs from extreme temperature changes as well as pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms. If the integumentary system is damaged and microbes or foreign objects make their way into the body, it is the lymphatic system that is responsible for mounting the attack to defend the body’s internal environment.
Sensory Organs
The skin contains several types of sense organs, each one specialized to detect a certain type of sensory input
Merkel’s cells and Meissner’s corpuscles
are mechanoreceptors that detect mechanical sensory information in the form of light touch and vibration
Nociceptors
detect pain, such as from a pin prick.
Pacinian corpuscles
detect the mechanical sensory information of pressure applied to the skin.
Thermoreceptors
detect hot and cold.
Sensory organs embedded in the skin
are designed to detect sensory information and then to relay that information to the brain. The brain then interprets the information to determine an appropriate response.
Glands
Recall endocrine glands secrete hormones, which are secreted in the bloodstream for body-wide distribution.
Exocrine glands
contain secretions released through a duct (opening) into an epithelial surface or lining. Exocrine gland secretions can also release their contents onto the surface of the skin. Other types of exocrine glands release their contents into an epithelial surface.
Exocrine glands
can be categorized by their shape and structure.
multicellular glands
Most glands in the body are multicellular glands, which are set within epithelial tissue and release their contents through a duct to the surface.
Sebaceous glands
(oil glands) produce sebum. Sebum helps to keep the skin and hair from drying out and inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Sweat glands
(sudoriferous glands) produce sweat in almost every part of the skin. Notice that the secretory portion is deep within the dermis layer of the skin. The duct extends all the way through the dermis, through the epidermis to release its contents on the external surface.
perspiration
The release of sweat is called perspiration.
thermoregulation
Perspiration helps the body to regulate its temperature through a process called thermoregulation by releasing heat from the body.