Integumentary System Flashcards
What are keratinocytes?
epithelial cells in several layers filled with keratin, a filamentous protein that makes the superficial layers of the epithelium tough and water resistant. The epithelium, as a result, is characterized as “keratinized”`
What is the pointy structure that is part of the dermis that connects to the epidermis
Dermal papilla
What does thick/thin skin refer to?
The relative thickness of the epidermis
What pigment affects skin color?
Melanin is a brown pigment produced by melanocytes found deep in the epidermis
What factor besides melanin affects skin color?
The amount of blood supply providing oxygen and nutrients to the dermis and epidermis
What are the 2 parts of the dermis?
Papillary layer and reticular layer
What is an epidermal ridge?
It is the curved part of the epidermis that connects with the dermal papilla
What is the deepest part of the integumentary system?
hypodermis
What do free nerve endings do and where are they located?
detect touch, pressure, pain and temperature. They are found in the epidermis.
What do Meissner’s corpuscles do and where are they located?
detect sensations of delicate (fine) touch, pressure, and vibration. They are found in the papillary layer of the dermis.
What do Pacinian corpuscles do and where are they located?
detect sensations of deep pressure and vibration. They are found in both dermal layers and in the hypodermis.
What makes up the cutaneous membrane?
Epidermis and Dermis
What are the accessory structures of the integumentary system?
Hair follicles, exocrine glands (sweat glands/sebaceous glands), nails
What is the function of hair follicles?
produce hairs that protect the skull and provide delicate touch sensations on the general body surface
What is the function of sweat glands?
assist in thermoregulation and excrete wastes
