Integumentary Flashcards
Epithelial Membrane
A thin layer of tissue that covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands. It consists of epithelial cells and an underlying layer of connective tissue.
Cutaneous Membrane
The skin; it consists of an outer epidermis and an underlying dermis. It serves as a protective barrier for the body.
Serous Membrane
A smooth membrane that lines certain cavities of the body and covers organs within those cavities, producing a lubricating serous fluid.
Mucous Membrane
A membrane that lines body cavities and passages that communicate with the exterior, producing mucus for lubrication and protection.
Serous Fluid
A clear, pale yellow fluid produced by serous membranes, which reduces friction between moving organs.
Pericardium
A double-walled sac that contains the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer.
Peritoneum
A serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs.
Pleura
The serous membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the thoracic cavity.
Synovial Membrane
A membrane that lines the cavities of joints, producing synovial fluid for lubrication.
Keratin
A fibrous protein found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails, providing strength and waterproofing.
Integument
Refers to the skin and its associated structures, including hair, nails, and glands.
Skin
The outer covering of the body, consisting of multiple layers that protect underlying tissues, regulate temperature, and provide sensory information.
Epidermis
The outermost layer of skin, consisting of keratinized epithelial cells and lacking blood vessels.
Stratum Basale
The deepest layer of the epidermis where new skin cells are generated.
Dermis
The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings, and various glands.
Stratum Granulosum
A layer of the epidermis where keratinocytes begin to flatten and accumulate granules of keratohyalin, contributing to keratin formation.
Stratum Lucidum
A thin, clear layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin (like the palms and soles) that provides an additional barrier.
Stratum Spinosum
The layer above the stratum basale, characterized by spiny appearance due to desmosomal connections between cells.
Stratum Corneum
The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened keratinized cells that provide a protective barrier.
Melanin
A pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin that determines skin color and provides some protection against UV radiation.
Sebaceous Glands
Glands in the skin that secrete sebum (oil) to lubricate and protect the skin and hair.
Sebum
An oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that helps to moisturize and protect the skin.
Eccrine Glands
Sweat glands that are distributed throughout the skin and help regulate body temperature through the production of sweat.
Apocrine Glands
Sweat glands located in specific areas (like armpits and groin) that produce a thicker, milky sweat and become active during puberty.
Hair Follicles
The structures in the skin that produce hair, anchored in the dermis and surrounded by epithelial tissue.
Arrector Pili
Small muscles attached to hair follicles that contract to cause hair to stand upright (goosebumps) in response to cold or fear.
Athlete’s Foot
A fungal infection of the skin on the feet, characterized by itching, redness, and peeling.
Cold Sores
Fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically occurring around the lips and mouth.
Contact Dermatitis
An inflammation of the skin resulting from direct contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to redness, itching, and rash.
Boils and Carbuncles
Boils are painful lumps on the skin caused by infected hair follicles, while carbuncles are clusters of boils that form a larger infection.
Impetigo
A highly contagious bacterial skin infection, usually affecting young children, characterized by red sores that can rupture and ooze.
Psoriasis
A chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, arising from basal cells in the epidermis, usually appearing as a pearly bump or a sore that doesn’t heal.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A type of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells in the epidermis, often appearing as a firm, red nodule or a flat sore.
Malignant Melanoma
A serious and aggressive form of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, characterized by unusual moles or skin changes and can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.
