Integumentary System Chapter 4 Flashcards

Body Membranes

• Body membranes interface with surfaces, line cavities, and protect organs.
• Comprise two major types: epithelial and connective tissue membranes.

Epithelial Tissue Membrane

• Includes cutaneous, mucous, and serous membranes, forming vital barriers and surfaces.

Connective Tissue Membrane

• Contains synovial membranes, primarily found in joint structures.

Cutaneous Membrane

• Known as skin; formed from stratified squamous epithelium and dense connective tissue, serving protective functions.

Mucous Membranes

• Comprise epithelial cells and loose connective tissue (lamina propria); maintain moisture and facilitate absorption/secretion.

Serous Membranes

• Line internal body cavities; consist of squamous epithelium and secrete lubricating fluid; classified as visceral or parietal based on location.

Specialized Membranes

• Visceral membranes touch organs; parietal membranes surround them.
• Pleural membranes encompass the lungs; peritoneal membranes cover the abdomen; pericardial membranes encase the heart.

Synovial Membranes

• Made of areolar connective tissue, these membranes line joint cavities and secrete lubricants.

Meninges

• A multi-layered connective tissue covering in the dorsal body cavity safeguarding the brain and spinal cord.

Functions of Skin

• Integral in insulation, cushioning, protection, waste excretion, thermoregulation, vitamin D synthesis, and sensory reception.

Skin Layers

• Epidermis: Composed of keratinized stratified squamous cells; avascular.
• Dermis: Beneath the epidermis, comprised of dense connective tissue with sensory receptors, blood vessels, hair follicles, and glands.
• Hypodermis: Not part of the skin structure, connects to underlying tissues as adipose tissue.

Epidermal Layers

• Stratum Basale: Deepest layer, stem cells, and melanocytes present for melanin production.
• Stratum Spinosum: Contains daughter cells from the basale, packed with keratin before dying.
• Stratum Granulosum: Similar functions to spinosum in keratinization.
• Stratum Lucidum: Exclusive to palms and soles; cells die from distance to blood supply.
• Stratum Corneum: Most superficial, composed of keratin-filled cells that shed continuously.

Cell Types in Epidermis

• Keratinocytes: Predominant cells, synthesizing keratin for toughness.
• Melanocytes: Produce melanin, offering UV protection.
• Dendritic Cells: Key in activating the immune response.
• Merkel Cells: Act as touch receptors for sensory perception.

Papillary & Reticular Layers

• Papillary Layer: Upper dermis, contains dermal papillae that supply nutrients and form fingerprints.
• Reticular Layer: Deep layer housing blood vessels, nerves, and various receptors.

Skin Pigments

• Melanin: Pigment providing color and UV protection.
• Carotene: An orange-yellow pigment in the outer skin layer.
• Hemoglobin: Responsible for the red color in the dermal blood supply.

Skin Conditions and Disorders

• Various skin conditions arise from allergies, infections, or diseases, including burns and skin cancers.
• Athlete's Foot: Fungus infection on feet.
• Cold Sores: Viral skin disorder.
• Impetigo: Bacterial infection symptoms.
• Psoriasis: Auto-immune skin disorder.

Burns Classification

• First Degree: Only epidermis affected; example includes sunburn.
• Second Degree: Affects epidermis and upper dermis, often painful with blisters.
• Third Degree: Destroys entire skin layer, requires hospitalization.
• Rule of Nines: Method to assess burn extent.

Skin Cancer Types

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: Most common, least malignant, often in sun-exposed areas.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Sun-induced; better prognosis with early detection.
• Malignant Melanoma: Rare but most deadly skin cancer variety.

Indicators for Melanoma

• Recognized by asymmetry, irregular borders, varied color, larger diameter, and change over time.

Skin Development and Aging

• Lanugo: Fine hair on fetal skin at around 5-6 months.
• Vernix Caseosa: Protective coating present at birth.
• Aging skin shows intolerance to cold, dryness, thinning, increased bruising, and gray hair.

Test your knowledge of the integumentary system with these flashcards covering important terms and definitions. Focus on body membranes and their classifications, including epithelial and connective tissue membranes. Perfect for students studying anatomy or preparing for exams.