Integumentary Flashcards
Skin is the __________ organ of the body in surface area and weight
Largest
Dermatology
The medical specialty concerning the diagnosing and treatment of skin disorders
What are the two layers of skin called
Epidermis and dermis
Epidermis
Consists of 5 layers varying in thickness;
Does not contain blood vessels or nerves;
Contains melanocytes
What are the 5 layers of the epidermis in order from the innermost layer to the outermost layer?
stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum
Stratum Basale
The innermost layer of the epedermis;
new squamous epithelial cells form through mitosis in this layer;
only layer where mitosis occurs;
from this layer, the epithelial cells are then moved upward forming each layer of the epidermis
Stratum Corneum
outermost layer of the epidermis that consists of many layers of dead, flat, keratinized cells that are sloughed from the surface after being formed in the basale layer
Melanin
specialized pigment-producing cells, dark pigment;
this cell production depends on genes and environmental factors (sun exposure or ultraviolet light)
Keratin
a protein found in skin, hair, and nails which is deposited into the epithelial cells;
prevents loss of body fluid through the skin and entry of excessive water into the body
Albinism
recessive trait leading to a lack of melanin production;
person has white skin and hair and lacks pigment in the iris of the eye;
must avoid sun exposure
Vitilgo
Small areas of hypopigmentation
Melasma or Chloasma
Patches of darker skin
Carotene
additional pigment that gives a yellow color to the skin
Dermis
thick layer of connective tissue that includes elastic and collagen fibers and varies in thickness over body;
contains nerves and blood vessels;
contains sensory receptors for pressure or texture, pain, heat or cold
Embedded in the skin are appendages or accessory structures, which are
Hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, and nails
Hair follicles
lined by epidermis, the stratum basale produces the hair;
Smooth muscle is attached to it (arrector pili which is controlled by sympathetic nerves) which create goose bumps
Sebaceous glands
Produce an oily secretion, sebum, which keeps hair/skin soft
Sweat glands (two types)
Eccrine (merocrine) glands located all over body and secrete sweat through pores in response to increased heat or emotional stress (SNS control)
Apocrine glands located in the axillae, scalp, face, and external genitalia, & the ducts of glands open into hair follicles
Beneath the dermis is the _____________ or _____________, which consists of connective tissue, fat cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, blood vessels, nerves, and base of many appendages
subcutaneous tissue, hypodermis
5 functions of the skin
- first line of defense against invasion by microorganisms and other foreign material
- prevents excessive fluid loss
- controlling body temperature using 2 mechanisms: cutaneous vasodilation (increases peripheral blood flow), and increased secretion and evaporation of sweat
- sensory perception which is a defense against environmental hazards, as a learning tool, and as a means of communicating emotions
- synthesis and activation of vitamin D on exposure to small amounts of ultraviolet light
Macule
Freckle; small, flat, circumscribed lesion of a different color than the normal skin
Papule
Insect bite; small, firm, elevated lesion; epidermal and papillary
Nodule
Cyst; elevated palpable lesion; varies in size; extends into the subcutaneous layer
Pustule
Acne; elevated lesion erythematous lesion, usually containing purulent exudate (pus)
Vesicle
elevated, thin-walled lesion containing clear fluid (blister)