Integumentary System Flashcards
Integumentary system (basic definition)
Comprised of skin, hair and nails
Layers of skin (outer to inner) (3)
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis (also called subcutaneous tissue layer)
Functions of skin (4)
Absorb ultraviolet light to produce vitamin D for bone development
Sensory receptors and glands for protection of skin and underlying tissues
Protects against extreme temperature changes
Protection from pathogenic microorganisms
Function of lymphatic system
If organisms make it past skin, lymphatic system mounts the attack to defend the body’s internal environment
Merkel’s cells and Meissner’s corpuscles (same function)
Mechanoreceptors that detect mechanical sensory information in the form of light touch and vibration
Nociceptors
Detect pain, such as from a pin prick
Pacinian corpuscles
Detect mechanical sensory information of pressure applied to skin
Thermoreceptors
Detect hot and cold
Exocrine glands
Release secretions through duct into epithelial surface or lining
Multicellular glands
Glands set within epithelial tissue and release their contents through a duct to the surface
Sebaceous glands (2)
Oil glands that produce sebum to keep skin and hair from drying out
Inhibit growth of harmful organisms
Sweat glands (sudoriferous glands) (2)
Produce sweat in almost every part of skin
Help body regulate its temperature through process called thermoregulation (release of heat from body)
Perspiration
The release of sweat
Stratified squamous epithelium (layered and flat)
Substance of epidermis
The Epidermis (description) (4)
Made of stratified squamous epithelium
Avascular (no direct blood supply)
Four distinct layers
Adhered to basement membrane
Cell renewal (Epidermis) (2)
Cells of stratum basale divide and push toward surface (renewal of skin cells - 30 days)
Superficial layer of the stratum corneum contains dead cells (slough off from friction after two weeks at surface)
Basal lamina
Basement membrane, which provides nutrients to epidermis
4 layers of epidermis (superficial to deep)
Stratum corneum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum spinosum
Stratum basale (adhered to basement membrane)
Function of stratum basale
Cells divide to replenish skin (30 days to move from stratus basale to surface of skin)
Epidermal ridges (2)
Ridges in stratum basale
Unique to individuals (ex. fingerprints)
Melanocytes (2)
Produce pigment called melanin
Absorb ultraviolet rays and determines skin color