Chapter 5 The IntegumentarySystem Flashcards
Skin Structure
-Account for 10-15% of total body weight
-Largest organ in body
Cutaneous membrane (skin)
- Epidermis
- Dermis
Epidermis
Superficial layer
-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium resting on basement membrane
Dermis
Deep to epidermis and basement membrane
-loose connective tissue and dense irregular connective tissue
Accessory Structures
Embedded in cutaneous membrane
Ex: sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, and nails
Arrector pili muscles
Small bands of smooth muscle associated with hair
Epidermis (avascular)
–Relies on diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from blood vessels in deeper dermis; limits epidermal thickness
–About 50% of epidermal cells are too far from adequate blood supply to sustain life; superficial layers are made up entirely of dead cells
Hypodermis
(superficial fascia or subcutaneous fat) deep to dermis
–Not part of skin; anchors skin to deeper structures like muscle and bone
–Made of loose connective and adipose tissues; has abundant blood supply
Cellulite
Dimpled or “orange peel” appearance of skin when collagen bands form around adipose tissue in hypodermis.
- Influenced by ; genetics, gender and amount and distribution of adipose tissue, and age
Functions of the Integumentary System
Critical for protecting underlying organs or maintaining homeostasis:
-Protection
-Sensation
-Thermoregulation
-Excretion
-Vitamin D synthesis
Protection
From mechanical trauma, pathogens, and environment:
–Stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium provides durable but flexible surface; protects body from mechanical trauma (stretching, pressure, or abrasions)
–Contains cells of immune system that destroy pathogens before they invade deeper tissues
-Provides protection from environmental hazards
Glands
(Protection)
secrete anti microbial substances
-sebaceous gland secretions give surface of skin slightly acidic pH (acid mantle)
-inhibits growth of many pathogens
Sensation
Enables nervous system to perceive changes in body’s internal or external surroundings; critical to homeostasis:
-Receptors detect potentiallyharmfulstimuli (heat, cold, and pain); could lead to tissue damage
Thermoregulation
–Relies on negative feedback loops for maintenance of stable internal temperature
–Internal body temperature is determined mostly by ▪Muscle activity
▪Chemical reactions (metabolism)
When body temperature rises above normal range
▪Sensory receptors (thermoreceptors) detect increase in temperature in skin and internal body fluids
▪Control center in hypothalamus acts as thermostat (thermoregulatory center); receives input from thermoreceptors; processes and responds to inputs
▪Control center stimulates sweating
▪Control center stimulates cutaneous vasodilation; dermal blood vessels widen (dilate); increased blood flow through vessels increases heat radiated from body
▪Body temperature returns to normal range and cooling mechanisms decline by negative feedback
When body temperature drops below normal range
▪Thermoreceptors detect body temperature below normal range; relay information to thermoregulatory center in hypothalamus
▪Blood vessels in dermis narrow (vasoconstrict), reducing blood flow
▪Vasoconstriction redirects blood flow to deeper tissues; conserves heat
▪When body temperature returns back to normal range, thermoreceptors stop signaling hypothalamus; heat conservation ends; feedback loop is closed
Excretion
Elimination of waste products and toxins from body
Vitamin D Synthesis
The Epidermis
The most superficial layer; composed of several cell types
Keratinocytes
Make up about 95% of epidermis. make epidermis stronger and less susceptible to mechanical trauma:
▪Keratin – tough fibrous protein
▪Linked together by desmosomes; intercellular junctions that hold cells together
Epidermal Strata Layers
-Stratum Basale
-Stratum Spinosum
-Stratum Granulosum
-Stratum Lucidum
-Stratum Stratum Corneum
Stratum Basale
(stratum germinativum) single layer of stem cells resting on basement membrane
▪Closest cells to dermal blood supply; most metabolically and mitotically active strata
▪Responsible for Vitamin D synthesis and replacement of dead keratinocytes (lost from superficial layers
Stratum Spinosum
Thickest layer
-on top of stratum basale -metabolically and mitotically active
Stratum Granulosum
▪Three to five layers of cells; prominent cytoplasmic granules with keratin bundles or lipid-based substance; secreted by exocytosis
▪Hydrophobic lipids provide waterproofing; maintains internal fluid and electrolyte homeostasis; leads to isolation and death of cells in layer and more superficial layers
Stratum Lucidum
Narrow layer of clear, dead keratinocytes; only in thick skin
Stratum Corneum
Outermost layer; several layers of dead, flattened keratinocytes with thickened plasma membrane
Keratinocyte life cycle
–Keratinocytes begin life in stratum basale or spinosum; pass through each epidermal layer; shed from stratum corneum
–Migration from deepest strata to stratum corneum takes 40−50days to complete
Dendritic (Langerhans) cells
In stratum spinosum; phagocytes of immune system; protect skin and deeper tissues from pathogens
Merkel Cells
Oval cells scattered throughout stratum basale; sensory receptors associated with small neurons in dermis:
–Detect light touch and discriminate shapes and textures
–Large numbers in regions specialized for touch: fingertips, lips, and at base of hairs
Melanocytes
In stratum basale; produce melanin (protein pigment ranging from orange-red to brown-black
Thick Skin
– about as thick as paper towel; all five epidermal layers and very thick stratum corneum; no hair follicles; many sweat glands
Thin Skin
–covers areas of body not subjected to as much mechanical stress; about as thick as sheet of printer paper; only four layers (no stratum lucidum)
–Each layer is thinner than those of thick skin
–Numerous hairs, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands present
Callus
– additional layers of stratum corneum; forms in either thick or thin skin in response to repetitive pressure
The Dermis
– highly vascular layer deep to epidermis
*Functions:
–Provides blood supply for epidermis
–Contains sensory receptors
–Anchors epidermis in place
*Composed of two distinct layers; two types of connective tissue
1. Papillary Layer
2. Reticular Layer
Papillary Layer
Thinner, most superficial of two layers
*Loose connective tissue
*Special collagen fibers at dermis-epidermal junction; extends into epidermal basement membrane; anchors epidermis to dermis
Dermal Papillae
Tiny projections at surface of papillary layer where it contacts epidermis:
–Contain tiny blood vessels (capillaries) arranged in loops; extend up into most superficial part of dermal papillae
–Allow oxygen and nutrients to diffuse into extracellular fluid of dermis, then into avascular epidermis
Tactile (Meissner) corpuscles
Also in dermal papillae; sensory receptors; respond to light touch stimuli
-skin of fingertips, lips, face, and external genital
Reticular Layer
*Collagen bundles strengthen dermis; prevent traumatic injuries from damaging deeper tissues
*Elastic fibers allow dermis to return to its original shape and size after stretching
*Rich in proteoglycans that draw water into ground substance; keeps skin firm and hydrated
*Blood vessels, sweat glands, hairs, sebaceous glands, and adipose tissue are also present
Lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles
Sensory receptors embedded within reticular layer; respond mainly to changes in pressure and vibration
Skin Markings
Small visible lines in epidermis created by interaction between dermis and epidermis; best seen in thick skin
Dermal Ridges
Areas where dermal papillae are more prominent due to presence of thick collagen bundles
*Indent overlying epidermis to create epidermal ridges; enhance gripping ability of hands and feet:
–Occur in characteristic patterns; loops, arches, and whorls; genetically determined and unique to each person
–Sweat pores open along ridges; leave thin film or fingerprint on things touched with fingers
Tension (cleavage) lines
–indentations in epidermis from gaps between collagen bundles in dermis
Flexure Lines
–deep creases in areas of body (surrounding joints) where reticular layer is tightly anchored to deeper structure
Botox
Bacterial toxin; temporarily paralyzes facial muscles; causes skin to appear smoother
Fillers
Adipose tissue, collagen, and/or proteoglycans injected into wrinkles