Chapter 4: Structures of the Integumentary System

Question 1

Skin

skin

Answer 1

Organ covering the body; made up of layers

Question 2

Epidermis

ep-i-DER-mis

Answer 2

Outer layer of skin; protects the body from the external environment

Question 3

Keratin

KAR-a-tin

Answer 3

Scleroprotein component of the horny, or cornified, layer of the epidermis. Also, the primary component of the hair and nails.

Question 4

Melanin

MEL-a-nin

Answer 4

Dark pigment produced by melanocytes; amount present determines skin color

Question 5

Hair

hār

Answer 5

Compressed, keratinized cells that arise from hair follicles, the sacs that inclose the hair fibers

Question 6

Nails

nālz

Answer 6

Horny plates made from flattened epithelial cells; found on the dorsal surface of the ends of the fingers and toes.

Question 7

Sebaceous glands

se-BĀ-shas) (glans

Answer 7

Secrete sebum (oil) into hair follicles where the hair shafts pass through the dermis.

Question 8

Sudoriferous (sweat) glands

soo-da-RIF-er-as) (glans

Answer 8

Tiny, coiled tubular structures that emerge through pores on the skin’s surface and secrete sweat

Question 9

Dermis

DUR-mis

Answer 9

Inner layer of skin; responsible for its flexibility and mechanical strength