BB1701 integumentary system Flashcards
what is an organ?
multiple tissues with similar structures that work together to perform a specialised function
what is the largest organ in the integumentary system?
the skin (cutaneous membrane)
what are the two important layers of the skin?
epidermis
dermis
which tissues in the skin are most important?
epithelial
connective
what is the epidermis?
- outer layer of the skin
what is the epidermis composed of?
stratified squamous epithelium
what are the four layers of the epidermis?
stratum basale
stratum spinosum
stratum granulosum
stratum corneum
what are the characteristics of the stratum basale?
- the deepest layer
- contains a thin layer of dividing cells
- nourished by blood vessels of the dermis
what are the characteristics of the stratum corneum?
- the outermost/superficial layer
- consists of layers of dead, flattened, dehydrated, densely packed, keratinised cells
what causes epidermal cells to die?
blocked blood supply
where is the stratum lucidum located?
on the hairless and thickened skin
palms, soles
role of desmosomes in the epidermal layers/strata?
hold together keratinocytes
function of epidermis?
- protective
- shields moist underlying tissues against excess water loss, mechanical injury and harmful chemicals
- keep out pathogens
- epidermal cell production in the stratum basale balance loss and shedding of dead cells
- allow thickness to remain constant
what happens as new epidermal cells are produced?
keratinocytes are pushed from the dermis towards the skin surface
they die as nutrient supply is poorer
keratinisation
what is keratinization?
- process where epidermal cells harden
- cytoplasm fills with strands of tough, fibrous, waterproof keratin
layers of the keratinised cells gather and shed in the stratum corneum
what is the dermis?
inner layer of the skin
thicker than epidermis
function of dermis?
binds the epidermis to underlying tissues
dermal blood vessels supply nutrients to all skin cells
vessels regulate body temperature
what is the dermis composed of?
areolar connective tissue
connective tissue
what does the connective tissue include?
collagen fibres
elastic fibres with gel like ground substances
smooth muscle tissue
nervous tissue
blood
function of connective tissue?
bind epidermis to subcanteous layer
function of collagen?
strength
function of elastic fibres?
ability to stretch
function of blood?
bring oxygen and nutrients to cells
function of nerve tissue?
detection of changes
function of smooth muscle tissue?
allow hair and hair follicles to change position
which accessory structures does the dermis contain?
hair follicles
sebaceous glands
sweat glands
what is the dermal papillae?
- uneven boundary between epidermis and dermis
- extends into spaces between ridges
how is dermal papillae formed?
due to epidermal ridges projecting inwards and conical projections of dermis
where is dermal papillae found?
skin
hands and feet
what is the role of epidermal ridges?
leave patterned impression (fingerprint)
what determines a fingerprint?
genes
the fetus pressing against the uterine wall
what separates the epidermis and dermis?
a basement membrane by anchoring the epidermis to the dermis
what is the subcutaneous layer?
is beneath the dermis
composed of areolar and adipose tissue
function of the subcutaneous layer
bind skin to deeper organs
insulates body from heat loss
supplies skin with major blood vessels for nutrient and oxygen delivery
features of epithelial tissue
- cover body surface, and line internal organs
- secrete portions of glands
- lacks blood cells
- continuously replaced
- readily divide
- closely packed
- single or multiple layers
- contain an apical surface
- contain lateral surface, which communicates with other cells
function of epithelial tissue
protection
secretion
absorption
excretion
types of epithelium tissue
simple squamous
simple cuboidial
simple columnar
stratified squamous
stratified cuboidal
pseudostratifed columnar
transitional
features of simple squamous epithelium
- single layer
- thin flattened cells
- cells fit tightly together
- nuclei are broad and thin
line alveoli
features of simple cuboidal epithelium
- single layer
- cube shaped cells
- central, spherical nuclei
- cells arent elongated
covers ovaries
features of simple columnar epithelium
- single layer
- elongated nuclei
- oval nuclei
- nuclei in middle of cell
- taller > wide
goblet cells
features of stratified squamous epithelium
- many cell layers
- tissues relatively thick
- cells divide in deeper layers
- flatter cells on the surface
- bottom layer is cuboid
- stem cells
epidermis
features of stratified cuboidal epithelium
- 2-3 layers
- cuboidal cells
- form lining of lumen
- provide protection
lines ducts of mammary glands