Integumentary System Flashcards
What is the deepest layer of the epidermis?
Stratum basale
The stratum basale contains a single layer of cuboidal or columnar cells that adhere to the basement membrane.
What is the composition of the stratum granulosum?
Two to five layers of slightly flattened cells containing granules of keratohyalin
Cells in the superficial portion of this layer lose their nuclei.
In which locations is the stratum lucidum present?
Palms and soles of feet
The stratum lucidum consists of dead, flattened keratinocytes containing eleidin.
What is the most superficial layer of the epidermis?
Stratum corneum
This layer consists of 15 to 30 layers of dead, keratin-containing squamous cells.
What function does the stratum corneum serve?
Helps to prevent water loss from the body
The stratum corneum is composed of dead cells that act as a barrier.
What is the function of the arrector pili muscle?
Causes hair to stand upright
This muscle is associated with hair follicles and is responsible for goosebumps.
What is the role of the basement membrane?
Anchors the epidermis to the dermis
The basement membrane is a thin layer that separates the epidermis from the dermis.
What is the significance of keratinocytes in the epidermis?
They provide protection and barrier functions
Keratinocytes produce keratin, which helps waterproof the skin.
Fill in the blank: The _______ sweat gland is associated with hair follicles and is involved in body odor.
Apocrine
Apocrine sweat glands are found in areas like the armpits and groin.
What function do melanocytes serve?
They produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color and protects against UV radiation.
Epidermis
Where are Langerhans cells primarily found?
They are more common in the stratum spinosum of the epidermis.
What is the role of Merkel cells?
They are cutaneous receptors that detect light touch.
What type of cells are adipocytes?
Fat cells.
What is the function of macrophages?
They are phagocytic cells that engulf potential pathogens.
What role do mast cells play?
They are antigen-presenting cells involved in the inflammatory response (release histamine).
What is thermoregulation?
The process by which the skin helps regulate body temperature through mechanisms like vasoconstriction and sweating.
What happens to melanocyte activity when exposed to sunlight?
Melanocytes increase the production of melanin.
Fill in the blank: The skin helps prevent _______ from underlying tissues.
water loss
What is the hypodermis?
A layer of subcutaneous tissue beneath the dermis that anchors the skin and provides insulation.
What are the two types of sweat glands?
- Eccrine glands
- Apocrine glands
True or False: Eccrine glands are present all over the body.
True
What regulates sweat production?
The hypothalamus.
What occurs during vasodilation of surface capillaries?
More blood enters capillary beds near the skin surface, promoting heat loss.
What is hyperkeratosis?
An overdevelopment of the stratum corneum due to repeated mechanical abrasion.
