integumentary system & homeostasis Flashcards
what is the function of the integumentary system?
- body temperature regulation
- protection
- sensation
- excretion
- vitamin D synthesis
- metabolism
- blood reservoir
what is homeostasis?
it is a dynamic state of balance of the body internal environment
how much does your skin weight?
4-5kg
what does epidermis consist of?
keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
what does dermis consist of?
areolar and dense irregular connective tissue
describe keratinocytes
- the most common cell type
- create a physical, tough waterproof barrier
- create and accumulate keratin
describe melanocytes
cells that produce and secrete the pigment melanin
describe dendritic cells
- parts of the immune system
- decrees and consume foreign substances
describe merkels cells
tactile cells involved in your sense of touch
what is stratum corneum?
- most superficial layer
- 20-30 layers of dead cells
- waterproofing glycolipid between cells
what is stratum lucidum?
clear layer found in thick skin only
what is stratum granulosum?
- 1-5 layers of flattened cells
- cells start to degenerate
- cells contain granules
what is stratum spinosum?
- several layers thick gives skin strength and flexibility
- cells joined together by desmosomes
what is stratum basale?
a single layer of stem cells where mitosis occurs and cell differentiation starts here
what is epidermis?
- stratified squamous epithelium
- mainly keratinocytes
- where melanin is produced
- has five layers called strata
what is dermis?
- dense irregular connective tissue
- contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves
- glands and hair follicles dip down into this layer
- arealoar connective tissue
- two layers - papillary and reticular layer
what is hypodermis?
- insulation + protection of deeper structures
- under the skin
- adipose tissue
what are sweet glands called?
sudoriferous glands
describe ceruminous glands
- lining of the external ear canal
- produces cerumen (ear wax) which helps to deter insects and block entry to foreign material
describe mammary glands
they make up the glandular tissue in the breast and secrete milk during breastfeeding
oil glands are also known as what?
sebaceous glands
describe eccrine sweat glands
- produces a watery secretion
- involved in thermoregulation
- palms, soles, forehead
- secrete into a pore on the skins surface
describe apocrine sweat glands
- secretion in response to androgens
- secrete into a hair follicle -
- produces a watery secretion that contains some fats and proteins
- stimulated by pain, stress and sex
- screen gland
- axillary + anogenital regions
describe sebaceous glands
- produces an oily secretion
- larger on the face, neck and chest
- softens and lubricates hair
- secreted in response to androgens
- reduces water loss from skin
- secrete into a hair follicle