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.