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