Integumentary System Overview

The outer layer of skin composed of keratinized epithelium, providing a protective barrier. It lacks blood vessels and relies on the dermis for nourishment.

The inner layer of skin, composed of connective tissue with collagen and elastin fibers, providing strength and elasticity. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and accessory structures like hair follicles and glands.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened cells filled with keratin, acting as a tough, protective barrier.

The deepest layer of the epidermis, responsible for cell division and regeneration. It contains melanocytes, producing pigment for skin color.

The layer of the dermis responsible for nourishing and supporting the epidermis. It contains numerous capillaries and sensory receptors for touch.

The deeper layer of the dermis, containing dense connective tissue with collagen and elastin fibers, providing strength and elasticity. It houses hair follicles, sweat glands, and sensory receptors.

The fifth layer of the epidermis found only in thick skin (palms, soles), providing extra protection and toughness. It is located between the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum.

Specialized cells in the stratum basale that produce melanin, a pigment responsible for skin color and protection from UV radiation.

A tough protein found in the epidermis, making skin water-resistant.

A dark pigment produced by melanocytes, responsible for skin color.

A process where the skin becomes darker due to increased melanin production.

Chemicals in bleaching creams that lighten skin by disrupting melanin production.

The process of keeping the external body clean and healthy.

A common skin infection caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, often appearing as superficial pustules around the nose and mouth. It is spread via direct contact and mainly affects children and people with weakened immune systems.

A viral infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), characterized by small, firm growths called warts. Spread through direct contact with infected individuals or lesions. Common sites include hands, face, and soles of feet.

A contagious fungal infection that affects the skin, often causing a ring-like pattern of inflammation. It's commonly found on the scalp and can be spread from cattle to humans.

A fungal infection that affects the skin, commonly occurring between the toes. It is often associated with excessive sweating and confined spaces within shoes.

Regular bathing or showering with soap, wearing clean clothes, and maintaining a healthy diet. It also includes protecting skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen.

Brushing twice daily for 2 minutes, flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, changing toothbrushes every 2-3 months, limiting sugar intake, and visiting a dentist every 6 months.

Washing regularly with shampoo and rinsing thoroughly, brushing and combing daily, and avoiding sharing combs and brushes.

Washing hands daily with soap and water, keeping nails trimmed short and clean.

An allergic reaction that causes dry, itchy patches of skin that resemble rashes. It can also cause swelling, flaking, and in severe cases, bleeding.

A genetic disorder that affects the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. Individuals with albinism are unable to produce melanin, resulting in a lack of pigment.

A skin condition where certain areas lose their ability to produce melanin, causing patches of depigmentation. It's believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction.

A general term for a group of cancers that develop in the skin. The most common types are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

A serious form of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes. Any change in a pigmented spot or mole should be checked by a doctor.

A burn that affects only the superficial epidermis, causing redness and pain but no blistering.

A burn that affects the deeper layers of the epidermis, causing blisters and pain.

Damaged cells release histamine, causing capillaries to become more permeable and allowing more plasma to leak out and collect at the burn site. This fluid accumulation creates blisters.