Integumentary System Overview

The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, composed of stratified squamous epithelium, and has specific cell types and layers.

The deepest epidermal layer, composed of stem cells and keratinocytes, where melanocytes and tactile cells reside.

The epidermal layer above the stratum basale, characterized by keratin filaments making cells flatten, and containing Langerhans cells.

The most abundant epidermal cells, synthesizing keratin for skin protection.

Epidermal cells producing melanin, a pigment that protects skin from UV radiation.

Immune cells that arise from bone marrow, located in the epidermis to fight pathogens.

Sensory cells in the epidermis that detect touch.

Tough fibrous protein that protects our skin, making it strong, waterproof and resistant to abrasion.

A pigment produced by melanocytes that provides skin color and UV protection.

Layered skin cells, composed of flat cells that are layered over one another.

A progressive decrease in melanin production, causing hair to become gray.

Thinning of hair or baldness.

Excessive or unwanted hair growth in areas that are typically hairless.

Composed of hard, keratinized epidermal cells found on fingers and toes.

The part of the skin underneath the free edge of the nail that secures it to the fingertip.

The part of the skin at the proximal border of the nail; part of the stratum corneum.

Cells that divide mitotically to create new nail cells; determines nail growth rate.

Oil glands connected to hair follicles, secreting sebum (oily substance).

The oily substance created by sebaceous glands.

Most numerous sweat glands; produce watery perspiration, regulating body temperature.

Sweat glands in specific body areas; produce thicker, milky sweat that responds to stress/sexual stimulation.

Modified sweat glands found in the ear canal, producing earwax (cerumen).

Earwax; a sticky barrier that prevents foreign matter from entering the ear canal.

The process that helps maintain body temperature.

Wound healing progresses through four phases: inflammatory, migratory, proliferation, and maturation.

Blood clot formation, macrophage activity (fighting infection), mesenchymal cell development into fibroblasts.

Scab formation, epithelial cell migration, fibroblast activity (building scar tissue), and blood vessel regrowth.

Rapid epithelial cell growth beneath scab, continuing blood vessel growth.

Scab falls off, collagen organization, fibroblast decrease, blood vessels return to normal.

Tissue damage caused by heat, electricity, or chemicals.

Epidermal damage only; mild pain, redness (erythema), no blisters, skin functions intact. Heals in 3-6 days, flaking/peeling.

Destroys epidermis and part of dermis; redness, blisters, edema, pain. Heals in 3-4 weeks without grafting.

Destroys epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers; numbness, loss of function. Requires skin grafting.

The process of maintaining a stable body temperature through the skin, involving sweat evaporation and blood flow adjustment.

Secretion of sweat to cool the body by evaporation, primarily controlled by eccrine glands.

Widening of blood vessels near the skin surface to release heat.

Narrowing of blood vessels near the skin to conserve heat.

The dermis contains a significant network of blood vessels, holding a substantial proportion of the body's blood.

Skin's role in shielding the body from microbes, abrasion, heat, chemicals, and dehydration.

A tough protein that strengthens skin, making it waterproof and abrasion resistant.

A pigment that provides skin color and protects from UV radiation.

UV light activates a precursor in skin; kidneys and liver process to create vitamin D, aiding calcium absorption.

Touch, pressure, vibration, and temperature sensations detected by the skin.

Superficial wound healing, affecting only the epidermis, resulting in a quick return to normal function.

Wound healing involving the dermis and subcutaneous layers, which usually results in scar tissue formation.

Epidermal layer with flat keratinocytes undergoing apoptosis, containing keratohyalin and lamellar granules.

Thin epidermal layer found only in thick skin (palms, soles, fingertips).

Outermost epidermal layer, composed of dead, keratinized cells that protect deeper layers.

Process of replacing viable cells with keratin as cells move to the surface.

Skin disorder where keratinocytes divide quickly, causing flaky silver scales.

Connective tissue layer below the epidermis, containing collagen, elastic fibers and various structures like blood vessels, glands, and hair follicles.

Superficial, thin region of the dermis, increased surface area due to papillae, containing touch receptors and capillaries.

Thick region of the dermis, composed of dense irregular connective tissue, containing collagen, elastic fibers, and various glands and hair follicles.

A burn injury is considered major if it covers more than 10% of the body surface area in 3 places, or more than 25% in 2 places, or on the face, hands, feet, or perineum.

A method to estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by a burn in adults.

Burns exceeding 70% body surface area have a high mortality rate.

Skin cancer is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma are types of skin cancer.

Hair loss.

Skin inflammation or rash.

Excessive body hair.

Inflammation of hair follicles.

A viral infection causing sores (cold sores or genital sores).

A viral infection that causes shingles.

Contagious skin infection characterized by oozing sores.

Fungal skin infection.

Contagious skin condition caused by mites.

Harmless skin growths caused by a virus.

Skin condition causing facial redness and dilated blood vessels.

Chronic skin inflammation characterized by dryness and rash.

Inherited autoimmune disorder causing skin inflammation and scaling.