Integumentary System Flashcards

Integumentary System Key Components

• Eccrine Sweat Gland: Major type of sweat gland, responsible for regulating body temperature through perspiration.
• Artery: Blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to tissues.
• Vein: Blood vessel that returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
• Hair Root: Part of the hair located below the skin, embedded in the hair follicle.
• Hypodermis: Layer beneath the dermis, consisting of loose connective tissue and fat, providing insulation and cushioning.
• Hair Follicle: Structure that surrounds and supports the hair root; plays a key role in hair growth.
• Reticular Region: Deep layer of the dermis made of dense irregular connective tissue, providing strength and elasticity.
• Sebaceous Gland: Gland that produces sebum (oil) to lubricate and protect skin and hair.
• Capillary Loop: Small blood vessels that provide nutrients to skin and help regulate temperature.
• Dermis: Layer of skin below the epidermis, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
• Epidermis: Outermost layer of skin, serving as a barrier and protecting underlying tissues.
• Hair Shaft: Part of the hair that extends above the skin surface, visible part of the hair.
• Sweat Pore: Opening on the skin surface for the exit of sweat.
• Epidermal Ridge: Projections in the epidermis that enhance grip and increase surface area.
• Free Nerve Ending: Nerve endings in the skin that respond to pain, temperature, and pressure.
• Arrector Pili Muscle: Small muscle attached to hair follicles, responsible for goosebumps.
• Dermal Papilla: Projections that interlock with the epidermis and provide nutrients; increase surface area for exchange.
• Meissner's Corpuscles: Mechanoreceptors located in the dermis, sensitive to light touch and vibrations.
• Pacinian Corpuscle: Mechanoreceptors that detect deep pressure and vibrations; located deeper in the dermis.
• Sensory Nerve: Nerve fibers that transmit sensory information like temperature changes and fine touch to the brain.
• Apocrine Sweat Gland: Sweat glands found in specific regions (e.g., armpits), activate during emotional stress.
• Adipose Tissue: Fat tissue in the hypodermis, providing cushioning, insulation, and energy storage.
• Papillary Region: Upper layer of the dermis, characterized by a bumpy texture that enhances blood circulation and sensation.
• Stratum Corneum: Outermost epidermal layer composed of dead keratinized cells, acting as a protective barrier.
• Stratum Lucidum: Thin, clear layer of dead keratinocytes found only in thick skin areas like palms and soles.
• Stratum Granulosum: Granular layer where keratinocytes begin to flatten and lose their nuclei, contributing to the skin barrier.
• Stratum Spinosum: Layer containing keratinocytes with spiny projections; provides strength and flexibility.
• Stratum Germinativum/Basale: Bottom layer of the epidermis, contains stem cells, melanocytes, and Merkel cells for skin regeneration and pigmentation.
• Subcutaneous Plexus: Network of blood vessels located in the hypodermis that supplies blood to the dermis and epidermis.
• Keratinocytes: Majority of epidermal cells (90%), responsible for producing keratin, which strengthens the skin.
• Melanocytes: Specialized cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
• Langerhans Cells: Immune cells in the epidermis that capture and present antigens to T-cells, providing defense against infection.
• Merkel Cells: Located in the deep epidermal layer, these cells function as mechanoreceptors for tactile sensation.

Test your knowledge of the integumentary system with these flashcards focused on key terms like sweat glands, arteries, and layers of skin. Perfect for students studying anatomy or preparing for exams. Review definitions and improve your understanding of the skin and its functions.