Integumentary system Flashcards
What does the integumentary system consist of?
Skin, hair, glands and nails.
Mention some functions of the integumentary system.
Protection from the external environment, sensation, vit D production, temperature regulation and excretion of small amounts of waste products.
Where are new skin cells produced?
Stratum basale, the deepest stratum
What is the stratum corneum?
The most superficial stratum of the epidermis. It consists of dead squamus cells filled with keratin, which gives the stratum corneum its structural strength. The stratum corneum cells are also coated and surrounded by lipids, acting as a waterproofing material and preventing fluid loss through the skin.
What is keratinization?
The transformation of stratum basale cells to stratum corneum cells.
What is the difference between the dermis and the epidermis?
The epidermis is stratified squamus epithelium (layers of flat cells that are tightly packed), while the dermis is composed of dense collagenous connective tissue, containing white blood cells, fibroblasts and adipocytes.
