Integumentary Physiology Flashcards
Skin Study
Integumentary System Makeup
Hair, Nails, Sweat, Oil Glands, Skin
Purpose of your skin
Protects your body against infections and extreme temperatures. Maintains your balance of fluids. Synthesizes Vitamin D.
Layers of the Integumentary System
Epidermis (top), Dermis (middle), Hypodermis (bottom)
Cells of the Epidermis
Keratinocytes, Melanocyte, Langerhans, Merkel
Keratinocytes
The building blocks of the tough fibrous protein keratin
Melanocyte
Synthesizes melanin, gives skin its color
Langerhans Cells
Ingest unwanted invader to the skin
Thick Skin
Is the tougher skin on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Make up of five layers.
Merkel Cells
Combine with nerve endings to create a sensory receptor for touch
Thin Skin
Everywhere else but only has four layers.
Five Layers of the Epidermis
Stratum Corneum (horny layer), Stratum Lucidum (clear layer), Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer), Stratum Spinosum (Spiny Layer), Stratum Basale
Purpose of Stratum Corneum
Offer basic environmental protection
Purpose of Stratum Lucidum
Has a few layers of dead clear Keratinocytes
Purpose of Stratum Granulosum
Contains living Keratinocytes
Purpose of Stratum Spinosum
Contain filaments that help them hold to each other
Purpose of Stratum Basale
Cell factory where new cells are made
Two Layers of the Dermis
Papillary Layer and Reticular Layer
Papillary Layer
Composed of a thin sheet of of areolar connective tissue that’s riddled with peg-like projections called dermal papillae.
Dermal Papillae
Tiny protrusions in the thick layer of skin that from unique ridges that press up through the epidermis to help hands and feet grip surfaces.
Reticular Layer
Made up of dense irregular connective tissue that holds all the dynamic parts of the dermis.
Hypodermis (Subcutis)
It consists of mostly adipose tissue (fat). Provides insulation, energy storage, shock absorption, and helps to anchor the skin.
