Integument and related structures Flashcards
Define Integument in animals
The skin and related structures
What are the functions of the skin
-To cover and protect underlying structures
-To assist in the maintenance of normal body temperature
-To excrete water & salt
- As a sensory organ
- To synthesize of vitamin D and store nutrients
Can the epidermis be described as static or dynamic?
Dynamic or constantly changing
What is the main job of the dermis?
To provide structural strength to the skin?
What are the functions of the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissues?
To provide flexibility of the skin over underlying structures, insulation and sensation of pressure.
What might veterinary staff use the hypodermis of an animal for?
As a site for injection of medications, fluids, microchips and vaccinations.
What are the main functions of the haircoat?
Temperature control, camouflage and sensation.
What are the special features of the paw pads?
They are the toughest and thickest part of the epidermis.
What is the planum nasale?
The end of the nose.
What is the hair shaft?
The part of the hair that is visible above skin
What is the hair root?
The part of the hair buried within the skin
What is the hair follicle?
The part of the hair that anchors it to the skin
What is the purpose of the arrector pili muscle
To change the angle of the hairs in response to cold or fear
List the stages of the hair cycle
Anagen, Catagen and Telogen
What is the scientific term for when a breeding female dog “blows her coat”?
Telogen effluvium
What substance gives pet hair colour?
Melanin
What kind of surgery is declawing of cats?
Amputation
What is the quick in the claw of a veterinary patient?
It is the nerve and blood supply located inside the nail.
Which digit is the dewclaw in dogs and cats?
Digit 1
What are anal glands?
Scent glands located on either side and below the anus that secrete into the anus.
What is the cell that is responsible for pigmentation of the skin?
Melanocyte
What communication system in the body controls pigmentation in the skin?
The hormonal or endocrine system
List the 4 glands located in the skin and briefly describe their purposes
Sebaceous glands - conditioning skin and coat, sweat glands - cooling, tail glands - identification, anal glands - scent marking
What is the name of the biggest paw pad on the front foot of a cat?
The metacarpal pad
What type of tissue provides insulation in the food pads
Fat
What is the official term for the tip of the nose of a dog or cat?
Planum nasale
What is the official term for the tip of the nose of a horse or a cow?
Planum nasolabile
Where are chestnuts and ergots located on horse legs?
Chestnuts - on the medial aspect of the fore and hind legs at the level of the carpus and tarsus.
Ergots - Amidst the caudal hairs of the fetlocks
Where are the cutaneous pouches located on a sheep?
Below the eye, between the hooves and in the groin.
What are the functions of claws in dogs and cats?
Traction, defense & hunting
Which digits are the dewclaws in cats, dogs and ruminants
Digit 1 in cats and dogs. Digits 2 & 5 in ruminants
Which digits make up the hooves in ruminants?
Digits 3 & 4.
What are the names of the 3 areas of the epidermal (outer) layer of the equine hoof?
The wall, the sole and the frog.
What is the purpose of the corium in the horse’s hoof?
It attaches the outer (epidermal) layer of the hoof to the bones within the hoof. It provides, nourishment and sensation to the outer layer of the hoof.
What are the names of the structures that attach the laminar corium to the hoof wall?
The laminae
What bones make up the skeleton of the equine hoof?
The second phalanx, the 3rd phalanx (coffin bone) and the distal sesamoid or navicular bone.
What are horns made up of?
Keratin
