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Anatomy > Integumentary System > Flashcards

Integumentary System Flashcards

Describe the structure and histological make up of the: skin, hair, skin glands, nails.

1
Q

what is the largest organ in the body?

A

the skin

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2
Q

what are the two layers of the skin?

A

epidermis: superficial layer, thin, epithelial tissue
dermis: deep layer, thicker, connective tissue.

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3
Q

Areolar tissue:

A

Description: Loose connective tissue with cells and fibers scattered in a gel-like matrix.

Location: Found beneath the skin, surrounding organs, and between muscles.

Function: Provides support, cushioning, and facilitates nutrient and gas exchange.

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4
Q

Adipose Tissue:

A

Description: Loose connective tissue primarily composed of fat cells.

Location: Found throughout the body, concentrated in subcutaneous areas and around organs.

Function: Stores energy, provides insulation, cushions organs, and secretes hormones.

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5
Q

The Epidermis:

A

composed of densely packed layers of cells, which gives the layer a darker appearance when viewed under a microscope

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6
Q

The Dermis:

A

contains very few cells and is composed mainly of a connective tissue network of collagen and elastic fibers, which gives this layer a lighter loosely woven appearance when viewed under a microscope

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7
Q

subcutaneous layer:

A

is the bottommost layer of your skin, located just beneath the outer layer (the epidermis) and the middle layer (the dermis). It’s made up of fat and connective tissue. This layer helps cushion and insulate your body and also contains blood vessels and nerves.

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8
Q

what are the epidermis cell types?

A

keratinocytes
Langerhans cells
Merkel cells
melanocytes

Remember: Kind Lions Make Majestic

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9
Q

What are the most common cells in the epidermis called?

A

Keratinocytes

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10
Q

What do Keratinocytes produce, and what do these substances do?

A

Keratin and lamellar granules; They provide structure to the epidermis and create a water-resistant barrier.

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11
Q

What are Langerhans cells, and what is their function?

A

White blood cells dispersed throughout the epidermis; They help fight pathogens like bacteria.

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12
Q

Where are Merkel cells located, and what is their role?

A

In the deepest layer of the epidermis; They stimulate sensory receptors in response to touch stimuli.

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13
Q

What are Melanocytes, and what do they produce?

A

Cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis; They produce melanin in response to UV light exposure.

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14
Q

How many layers of keratinocytes are found in the epidermis?

A

4-5 layers

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15
Q

What is “thin skin” and how many layers does it have?

A

Thin skin covers most of the body and has 4 layers.

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16
Q

What is “thick skin” and how many layers does it have?

A

Thick skin covers areas exposed to friction, like palms and soles, and has 5 layers.

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17
Q

Where are keratinocytes formed, and what happens to them as they move towards the surface?

A

Keratinocytes are formed in the deepest layer and accumulate more keratin as they move towards the surface.

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18
Q

What happens to keratinocytes before they are sloughed off?

A

They undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

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19
Q

What is the deepest layer in the epidermis called?

A

Stratum Basale

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20
Q

What is produced in the Stratum Basale?

A

Stem cells that produce all new keratinocytes.

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21
Q

What happens to new cells produced in the Stratum Basale?

A

They enter the next layer, pushing more superficial layers toward the skin surface.

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22
Q

What layer is superficial to the Stratum Basale?

A

Stratum Spinosum

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23
Q

Describe the Stratum Spinosum.

A

Composed of several layers of keratinocytes that are gradually being pushed closer to the skin surface.

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24
Q

What layer is superficial to the Stratum Spinosum?

A

Stratum Granulosum

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25
What happens to keratinocyte production of keratin and lamellar granules in the Stratum Granulosum?
Their production dramatically increases.
26
What happens to cells in the Stratum Granulosum as a result of keratin accumulation?
The accumulation of keratin eventually disrupts their metabolism, causing them to die.
27
what is superficial to the stratum granulosum?
the stratum licidum
28
what does the stratum lucidum consists of?
several layers of dead keratinocytes
29
what is the most superficial layer in the epidermis?
the stratum corneum: contains dead keratinocytes that are gradually pushed to the kin surface and sloughed off.
30
what are the 5 epidermal layers? (deep to superficial layer)
Basale Spinosum Granulosum Lucidum Corneum Remember: "Big Snakes Grow Large Coils"
31
What is the dermis primarily composed of?
A strong, flexible connective tissue network of collagen and elastic fibers.
32
What types of cells are found in the dermis?
Few cells, such as fibroblasts and macrophages.
33
What structures are embedded within the dermis?
Hair follicles, glands, blood vessels, tactile sensory receptors, and nerve endings.
34
why is it that superficial cuts to the epidermis may not lead to bleeding or the perception of pain?
None of the dermis structures are are found in the epidermis.
35
What is the more superficial portion of the dermis called?
Papillary region
36
what is the papillary region composed of?
Areolar connective tissue and thin collagen/elastic fibers
37
within the papillary region, what are the projections into the epidermis called?
dermal papillae: increase the dermal contact surface
38
What is the thicker and deeper portion of the dermis called?
Reticular region
39
Where does the reticular region get its name from?
the reticular network of collagen and elastic fibers that gives the skin its elasticity and extensibility.
40
what is hair composed of?
circular columns of dead keratinized epidermal cells that are bonded together by proteins
41
what are the two parts of hair?
shaft: superficial portion that projects above the skin root: deep portion that penetrates into the dermis
42
What are the three concentric layers of cells composing the shaft and root?
Medulla, cortex, cuticle
43
What surrounds the root of a hair?
Hair follicle
44
What are the two components of a hair follicle?
Internal root sheath and external root sheath
45
What surrounds the hair follicle?
Dermal root sheath
46
what is the base of each hair follicle called?
the bulb
47
what is the indentation on the bulb of the hair follicle called?
the papilla
48
what does the papilla contain?
the hair matrix: layers of cells that make up the epidermis. Stem cells that make up the hair are formed in the hair matrix. blood vessels: nourish the growing hair follicle
49
what structures are attached to the hair follicles?
Sebaceous (oil) glands Arrector pili (smooth muscle) Hair root plexuses (nerve endings – touch sensations)
50
Where do most sebaceous glands open into?
Hair follicles
51
Where are sebaceous glands absent?
Palms of the hands and soles of the feet
52
What substance do sebaceous glands release?
Sebum
53
What are the functions of sebum?
Keep hair from drying out Prevent water evaporation from the skin Keep the skin soft and pliable Inhibit the growth of some bacteria
54
What do sudoriferous glands release sweat into?
Hair follicles or onto the skin surface
55
What are the two types of sweat glands?
Eccrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands
56
Where are eccrine sweat glands present?
Most regions of the body
57
What is sweat composed of?
Water, ions, urea, and ammonia
58
What is the main function of sweat glands?
To help regulate body temperature
59
Where are apocrine sweat glands present?
Axilla, groin, breasts, and face
60
What else does sweat from apocrine glands contain, and what is its significance?
Lipids and proteins that are metabolized by bacteria, contributing to body odor
61
When do apocrine sweat glands start to function, and what stimulates them?
They start to function around puberty and are stimulated by emotional stress.
62
what do the nails consist of?
tightly packed dead keratinized epidermal cells.
63
what is the nail body?
visible portion.
64
why is the free edge of the nail white?
no underlying capillaries
65
what is the nail root?
buries in a fold of skin.
66
what structure is deep to the nail root?
the nail matrix (germinal layer of cells that arise from the epidermis)
67
What is one function of the integumentary system?
Protection
68
How does keratin contribute to protection?
Keratin protects the skin and underlying tissues from the external environment, including heat, microbes, and chemicals.
69
How do lipids released from lamellar granules contribute to protection?
They prevent water from entering or leaving the body.
70
What is the role of melanin in protection?
Melanin absorbs harmful UV light.
71
What cells in the integumentary system assist in immunity?
Langerhans cells in the epidermis and macrophages in the dermis.
72
What are two functions of sweat produced by sudoriferous glands?
Helps regulate body temperature and eliminates certain wastes.
73
What types of sensations are produced by sensory receptors in the skin?
Cutaneous sensations such as touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.
74
What does exposure to UV light cause the skin to produce?
A molecule that travels to the liver and kidney to become the activated form of vitamin D.
75
What is the activated form of vitamin D important for?
It is an important contributor to the metabolism of several systems in the body, including the skeletal system and immune system.

Anatomy (34 decks)

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