Skin - Introduction Flashcards
What is the integument system composed of?
2
The cutaneous membrane
Accessory structures
What is the cutaneous membrane composed of?
2
Epithelium - epidermis
Connective tissue - dermis
What accessory structures make up the integument system?
4
Hair
Nails
Glands
Sensory structures
How many layers are there to the skin?
Three
What are the three layers of the skin?
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
Describe the epidermis’s composition
3 parts
Stratified squamous epithelium
basement membrane
Areolar CT of dermis
Describe the dermis’s composition
3 parts
Composed of loose areolar CT
Dense irregular CT proper
Accessory structures
Describe the hypodermis’s composition
Loose CT/superficial fascia
What is the hypodermis also known as?
Subcutaneous layer
How many types of skin cells are there?
Three main types of skin cells
Name the three types of skin cells.
Squamous cells
Basal cells
Melanocytes
Describe squamous cells.
Flat cells in the outer/superficial part of the epidermis that are constantly shed as new ones form
Describe basal cells
Cells in the lower/deeper part of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer
Where are basal cells found?
The basal cell layer
Describe melanocytes
These cells make the brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown colour
Melanin acts as the body’s natural sunscreen
What separates the epidermis from the deeper layers of skin?
The basement membrane
What are the five functions of the skin?
Protection
Homeostatic control
Excretion
Sensory Perception
Storage
What does the skin protect us from?
5
Dehydration
Infection
Abrasion
UV damage
Cold/heat
What two things does the skin have homeostatic control over?
Temperature
Vitamin D synthesis
What is excreted through the skin?
Water
Salts
Oils
Where does sensory perception take place in the skin?
At the tactile receptors and free nerve endings
What is stored in the skin (storage function)?
Lipid
What are the two types of skin?
Thin and thick
Give two examples of thick skin
Palms of the hand
Soles of the feet
How is skin classified into thick or thin?
Based on the number of epidermal layers
How many epidermal layers does thick skin have?
Five
How many epidermal layers does thin skin have?
Four
What specialised type of epithelial cell is present in skin?
Keratinised epithelial cells
