Integumentary System Flashcards
The integumentary system consists of :
the skin and its associated structures,
the hair follicles,
the nails,
the sweat glands, and
the sebaceous (oil) glands
The functions of the integumentary system include:
Protection
Temperature regulation
Sensation
Excretion
Production of vitamin D
It PREVENTS excessive water loss, KEEPS OUT microorganisms that could cause illness, and PROTECTS the underlying tissues from mechanical damage.
PROTECTION
PIGMENTS in the skin called ________ absorb and reflect the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
melanin
If heat builds up in the body, sweat glands in the skin produce more sweat which evaporates and cools the skin.
REGULATION
when the body _______, blood vessels in the skin EXPAND and bring more blood to the surface, which allows body heat to be LOST.
overheats
If the body is _________, the blood vessels in the skin CONTRACT, resulting in less blood at the body surface, and heat is CONSERVED.
too cold
since sweat removes small amounts of nitrogenous wastes produced by the body.
MINOR EXCRETORY ORGAN
since it contains millions of NERVE ENDINGS that detect touch, heat, cold, pain, and pressure.
SENSE ORGAN
in the presence of SUNLIGHT, and the skin renews and repairs damage to itself.
Vitamin D PRODUCTION
formed by the continuous epithelial membrane, the skin.
Physical Barrier
continuous epithelial membrane
skin
The outermost surface of the skin
epidermis
the epidermis, is covered with __________
dead keratinized cells (stratum corneum).
formed by the production of ACIDIC (low pH) secretions by the oil (sebaceous) glands.
Chemical Barrier
formed by the presence of cells of the immune system within the skin.
Immunological Barrier
These cells function in immunity and disposal of bacteria and viruses by _____________.
“phagocytosis”
a type of cell within the body capable of ENGULFING and ABSORBING BACTERIA and other small cells and particles.
Phagocytes
The nervous system regulates body temperature (through the skin) by ________________.
controlling sweating and dermal blood flow
houses numerous receptors (part of the nervous system) that function in the perception of external stimuli
skin
The skin houses numerous receptors such as
pain
pressure
temperature
free nerve endings
pain
Meissner’s & Pacinian corpuscles for touch and root hair plexuses
pressure
is the formation of WASTE SUBSTANCES (such as sweat and urine) that are REMOVED from the body.
Excretion