Chapter 5:The Integumentary System Flashcards
How many regions make up the skin?
3
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Hypodermis
What is the epidermis?
outermost superficial region of skin
What is the dermis?
the middle region of the skin
What is the hypodermis?
the deepest region of the skin
what is another name for the hypodermis?
superficial fascia
what is superficial fascia?
the hypodermis
What is the epidermis comprised of?
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, with 4 cell types and 4 to 5 layers
What cell types are found int the epidermis?
keratinocytes
melanocytes
Merkel cells
Langerhans’ cells
What is the function of the epidermis?
it is the outer portion of the skin, is exposed to the external environment and functions in protection
Keratinocytes
– produce the fibrous protein keratin.
Melanocytes
– produce the brown pigment melanin.
Langerhans’ cells
epidermal macrophages that help activate the immune system.
Merkel cells
function as touch receptors in association with sensory nerve endings.
What are the layers of the epidermis?
Stratum corneum Stratum Lucidum Stratum granulosum Stratum spinosum Stratum basale
What is the stratum basale?
the basal layer of the epidermis. the deepest layer, firmly attached to the dermis
What is the stratum basale made of?
a single row of the youngest keratinocytes
what happens in the stratum basale?
cells undergo rapid division, hence its alternate name, stratum germinativum
What is the stratum spinosum?
the prickly layer of the epidermis. 2nd from the bottom
What is the stratum spinosum made of?
- cells contain weblike system of intermediate filaments attached to desmosomes.
- melanin granules and Langerhans’ cells are abundant in this layer
What is the stratum granulosum?
the granular layer, 2nd from the top
what does the stratum granulosum look like?
thin; three to five cell layers in which drastic changes in keratinocyte appearance occurs
What accumulates in the stratum granulosum?
Keratohyaline and lamellated granules
What is the stratum lucidum?
a clear layer, found only in thick skin. superficial to the stratum granulosum
What is the stratum lucidum made of?
a few rows of flat, dead keratinocytes
What is the stratum corneum?
the horny layer, the outermost layer
What percent of the epidermis is made of the stratum corneum?
3/4
What are the functions of the stratum corneum?
- waterproofing
- Protection from abrasion and penetration
- Rendering the body relatively insensitive to biological, chemical, and physical assaults
What is the dermis?
the second major skin region containing strong, flexible connective tissue
What cell types are in the dermis?
fibroblasts, macrophages, and occasionally mast cells and white blood cells
What is the dermis composed of?
2 layers - papillary and reitcular
Papillary layer
- -in the dermis—
1. areolar connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers
2. its superior surface contains peg-like projections called dermal papillae
3. dermal papillae contain capillary loops, Meissner’s corpuscles, and free nerve endings
What does dermal papillae contain?
capillary loops
Meissner’s corpuscles
free nerve endings
What is the Reticular Layer?
a layer of the dermis
accounts for about 80% of the thickness of the skin
collagen fibers in this layer add strength and resiliency to the skin
elastin fibers provide stretch-recoil properties
what do collagen fibers do for the reticular layer?
add strength and resiliency to the skin
what do elastin fibers do for the reticular layer?
provide stretch-recoil properties
what is the hypodermis?
subcutaneous layer deep to the skin
composed of adipose and areolar connective tissue
what is the hypodermis composed of?
adipose and areolar connective tissue
What determines skin color?
3 pigments
Melanin
Carotene
Hemoglobin
Melanin
yellow to reddish-brown to black pigment, responsible for dark skin colors
- freckles and pigmented moles result from local accumulations of melanin
what causes freckles and pigmented moles?
local accumulations of melanin
carotene
yellow to orange pigment, most, most obvious in the palms and soles of the feet
hemoglobin - in skin
reddish pigment responsible for the pinkish hue of the skin