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Integumentary System - Anatomy & Physiology

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  • What are the two main components of the skin?
    Epidermis and dermis.
  • Name four accessory structures of the skin.
    Sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, and nails.
  • What is the hypodermis?
    The superficial fascia or subcutaneous tissue located deep to the dermis.
  • List three functions of the integumentary system.
    Protection, sensation, and thermoregulation.
  • What happens when body temperature rises above normal?
    Receptors detect heat, control center activates effectors, sweat glands produce sweat, blood vessels dilate, returning temperature to homeostasis.
  • What is the primary cell type in the epidermis?
    Keratinocytes, making up about 95% of the epidermis.
  • Name the five layers of the epidermis from deep to superficial.
    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
  • How long does it take for keratinocytes to migrate from the stratum basale to the stratum corneum?
    Between 40–50 days.
  • What are melanocytes and their function?
    Cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
  • What distinguishes thick skin from thin skin?
    Thick skin has a thicker epidermis with a stratum lucidum and is found on palms and soles; thin skin lacks stratum lucidum and covers most of the body.
  • What are the two layers of the dermis?
    Papillary layer and reticular layer.
  • What sensory receptors are found in the papillary layer?
    Tactile (Meissner) corpuscles.
  • What sensory receptors are found in the reticular layer?
    Lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles.
  • What causes fingerprints?
    Epidermal ridges formed by dermal papillae enhance grip and produce fingerprints.
  • Name two minor pigments affecting skin color besides melanin.
    Carotene and hemoglobin.
  • What are the four types of sweat glands?
    Eccrine, apocrine, ceruminous, and mammary glands.
  • What is the function of sebaceous glands?
    Produce oily sebum that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair.
  • What is piloerection and what causes it?
    Contraction of arrector pili muscles causes hair to stand up, producing 'goosebumps.'
  • Where does nail growth occur?
    At the nail matrix, where actively dividing cells push keratinocytes distally.
  • What are the three types of skin cancer linked to UV exposure?
    Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
  • What are the ABCDE signs of malignant melanoma?
    Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter > 6 mm, and Evolving shape/size.