Integumentary System Flashcards
Two components of the Integumentary System?
Skin and Associated Structures (hair; oil; sweat glands; sensory receptors; nails)
Skin
cutaneous membrane) [Largest organ in the body; covering the external surface]
Integumentary System Functions
- Regulates body temperature 2. Stores blood 3. Protects body fro external environment 4. Detects cutaneous sensations 5. Excretes and absorbs substances 6. Synthesis of vitamin D
Dermatology
The medical specialty that deals with structure; function and disorders of the integumentary system.
What are the 3 layes of integumentary system?
- Epidermis (part of the skin) 2. Dermis (part of the skin) 3. Subcutaneous tissue (not part of the skin)
Epidermis definition
Thinner; superficial portion composed of epithelial tissue; avascular
Layer composition of Epidermis
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
4 Princle Types of Cells
Keratinocytes; Melanocytes; Intraepiderml macrophages; Merkel Cells
Keratinocytes
[90%; arranged in 4-5 layers; protein produced=keratin] Several distinct layers in various stages of development. 4 Strata (layers of the epidermis)-[most regions of the body; some exceptions] 1. Stratum Basale 2. stratum spinosum 3. stratum granulosum 4. stratum corneum (thin) 5 Strata (layers of the epidermis)-Exceptions [areas of greatest friction; fingertips; palms; soles] 1. Stratum Basale 2. stratum spinosum 3. stratum granulosum 4. stratum lucidium 5. stratum corneum
Keratin
tough; fibrous protein that helps protect the skin and underlying tissue from abrasions; heat; microbes & chemicals
Lamellar Granules
release a water repellent sealant
Function of Lamellar Granules
- decreases water entry and loss 2. Inhibits entry of foreign materials
Where do Melanocytes come from?
Develop from ectoderm of a developing embryo
Function of Melanocytes
Produce the pigment; melanin
Melanin
a yellow-red or brown-black pigment that contributes to skin color and absorbs damaging UV light.
Melanin Transfer
- Melanocytes have long slender projections that extend between keratinocytes and transfer melanin granules to them. 2. Once inside keratinocytes; melanin granules will cluster to form a protective veil over the nucleus on the side of the skin surface. 3. This is used to shield the DNA material; preventing UV damage from the sun 4. Note: melanocytes are susceptible to damage by UV light
Orgin of Intraepidermal macrophages
Red bone marrow
Function of Inraepidermal macrophages
migrate to the epidermis and participated in immune responses mounted against microbes that invade the skin and easily damaged by UV light.
Role of Intraepidermal macrophages
help other cells of the immune system recognize an invading microbe and destroy.
Merkel Cells (tactile cells)
Are least numerous; and are found in the deepest layer of the epidermis
Function of Merkel Cells
contact the flattened process of a sensory neuron (nerve cell) [aka: Merkel Disc or tactile disc]
What are the 5 Strata (Layers of Epidermis)
- Stratum Basale 2. stratum spinosum 3. stratum granulosum 4. stratum Lucidium 5. Stratum Corneum
Stratum Lucidum Location/Components
Present only in fingertips; palms; soles Components: Four to six rows of clear flat dead keratinocytes with large amounts of keratin
Stratum Granulosum
- 3-5 rows of flattened keratinocytes; organelles are beginning to degenerate 2. Keratohyalin protein (to convert keratin intermediate filaments to keratin) 3. Lamellar granules (release lipid-rich; water-repellent secretion)