Integumentary System Flashcards
Functions of the Integumentary System
Protection (Bacteria, viruses, dehydration)
Body temperature regulation
Vitamin D production (needed for calcium absorption)
Sensation (sensory receptors)
Excretion (perspiration)
Body Temperature Regulation
too hot or too cold
If too hot: dermal blood vessels dilate, carrying blood to the surface of the skin so heat can escape
If too cold: dermal blood vessels constrict, which prevents heat from escaping
The Epidermis
the most superficial layer of the skin
contains the stratum corneum and the stratum basale
Stratum Corneum
dead cells that form an impermeable layer
Stratum Basale
cells constantly dividing and pushing older cells outwards
Cells in the Epidermis
2
Keratinocyte - makes and accumulates keratin, this protective protein makes the epidermis waterproof and resistant to pathogens
Melanocyte - makes the pigment melanin, traps UV radiation and prevents damage to the underlying layers of the skin
The Dermis
contains) (5
Sudoriferous (sweat) glands
Sebaceous (oil) glands
Hair Follicles + arrector pili muscles
Collagen, elastin, nerve fibres
Blood vessels
The Hypodermis
contains) (3
Adipose fat
Loose connective tissue
Blood vessels and nerves
how is skin colour determined
Determined by the amount of melanin in the epidermis of the skin
The higher the melanin count the darker the skin
skin presentation if well oxygenated
skin will be pink
skin presentation if poorly oxygenated
skin will be pale/cyanosed
6 effects of skin aging
Skin loses firmness with aging due to the loss of collagen and elastin in the dermis
Loss and shifting of underlying adipose tissue
Dermis becomes thinner and more transparent
Paler due to changes in circulation
Melanocyte count decreases. Age spots form from bunching of remaining melanocytes
Hair greys and becomes thinner
Decreased tolerance to temperature changes (decreased perspiration, decreased circulation, decreased sudoriferous sweat glands
x2 types of sudoriferous sweat glands
Eccrine Glands - produce watery sweat and are activated by heat
Apocrine Glands - produce a thicker type of sweat with more proteins. Concentrated in the arm pit and groin, activated by nervousness or stress
inflammation causes
3
Redness due to dilation of blood vessels
Swelling because vessels leak fluid into spaces between cells
Pain because excess fluid activates pain receptors
inflammation promotes healing by providing
3
Extra blood to the area
Extra nutrients for skin repair
Defensive cells
