The Integumentary System

Question 1

What are the functions of the integumentary system? What are the two components of this system?

Answer 1

Functions: Protection, sensation, temperature regulation, vitamin D synthesis, excretion. Components: Skin and accessory structures (hair, nails, glands).

Example sentence: The integumentary system plays a crucial role in protecting the body from external threats.

Question 2

Define blister vs scab vs keloid.

Answer 2

Blister: Fluid-filled sac due to friction/burn. Scab: Crust over a wound from dried blood. Keloid: Raised scar from overproduction of collagen.

Example sentence: The blister formed after the burn was painful but eventually healed.

Question 3

What is insensible perspiration?

Answer 3

Continuous loss of small amounts of water through the skin, not noticeable.

Question 4

How much water loss occurs?

Answer 4

About 500 mL per day.

Question 5

Where can you expect to find keratinocytes? What do they do?

Answer 5

Found in the epidermis; they produce keratin for protection and water retention.

Question 6

What is the stratum corneum? What is so special about it?

Answer 6

The outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead cells. It provides a tough barrier.

Comparison: The stratum spinosum contains living cells that contribute to skin strength.

Question 7

What is the epidermis? What is its role? What are some characteristics?

Answer 7

The outer layer of skin; protects underlying structures. Characteristics: Avascular, composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Additional information: Epidermal ridges are projections that increase surface area for grip.

Question 8

Which protein reduces water loss at the skin surface?

Answer 8

Keratin.

Question 9

How many epidermal layers are contained in thin vs thick skin?

Answer 9

Thin skin: 4 layers. Thick skin: 5 layers.

Question 10

What are considered accessory structures of the integumentary system?

Answer 10

Hair, nails, and glands (sebaceous, sweat, ceruminous).

Question 11

What sensory cells are associated with the deep layers of the epidermis?

Answer 11

Merkel cells.

Question 12

Which layer of the skin contains bundles of collagen and elastic fibers responsible for skin strength?

Answer 12

Dermis.

Question 13

What is dermatitis? Where does it occur?

Answer 13

Inflammation of the skin, occurring in the epidermis and dermis.

Question 14

After pinching the skin on the back of the hand, it remains peaked. This is a sign of?

Answer 14

Dehydration or reduced skin turgor.

Question 15

What are stretch marks?

Answer 15

Scarring from rapid skin stretching.

Question 16

What is the cutaneous vs subpapillary plexus?

Answer 16

Cutaneous plexus: blood vessels at the dermal-subcutaneous junction. Subpapillary plexus: vessels just beneath the dermal papillae.

Question 17

What dermal sensory structures sense deep pressure?

Answer 17

Pacinian (lamellar) corpuscles.

Question 18

What is the subcutaneous layer?

Answer 18

Also known as the hypodermis, it consists of loose connective tissue and fat.

Question 19

What is Cyanosis?

Answer 19

Bluish discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygenation.

Question 20

What is Jaundice, how is it indicated?

Answer 20

Yellowing of skin/eyes, indicating elevated bilirubin levels.

Question 21

What is melanin? Where is it found? Who makes it?

Answer 21

A pigment in skin, hair, and eyes, produced by melanocytes.

Question 22

What is carotene?

Answer 22

A yellow-orange pigment found in some vegetables, can accumulate in the skin.

Question 23

Which pigment is responsible for blushing?

Answer 23

Hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Question 24

What are the effects of ultraviolet radiation? Which vitamin is formed in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight?

Answer 24

Can cause skin damage and increase cancer risk. Vitamin D3 is formed.

Question 25

What is Rickets?

Answer 25

A disease from vitamin D deficiency leading to weak bones in children.

Question 26

What is the most dangerous type of skin cancer?

Answer 26

Melanoma.

Question 27

Why is vitamin D3 so important?

Answer 27

Essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Question 28

What are some similarities and differences between squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma?

Answer 28

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Arises from squamous cells, can metastasize. Melanoma: Arises from melanocytes, highly aggressive. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Most common, rarely

Question 29

What is the most dangerous type of skin cancer?

Answer 29

Melanoma. ## Footnote Example sentence: Melanoma has a high risk of metastasis.

Question 30

Why is vitamin D3 so important?

Answer 30

Essential for calcium absorption and bone health. ## Footnote Example sentence: Vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to weakened bones.

Question 31

What are some similarities and differences between squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma?

Answer 31

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Arises from squamous cells, can metastasize. Melanoma: Arises from melanocytes, highly aggressive. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Most common, rarely metastasizes. ## Footnote Example sentence: Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer.

Question 32

What is the layer of hard keratin that acts as the surface of the hair?

Answer 32

Hair cuticle. ## Footnote Example sentence: The hair cuticle protects the inner layers of the hair shaft.

Question 33

What are Lanugo hairs? How are they different from vellus and terminal hairs?

Answer 33

Fine hair on fetuses, shed before birth. Vellus: thin hair on the body. Terminal: coarse hair on scalp/face after puberty. ## Footnote Example sentence: Lanugo hairs are temporary and shed before birth.

Question 34

Why is the papilla of a hair follicle important?

Answer 34

Contains blood vessels and nerves, supplying nutrients to growing hair. ## Footnote Example sentence: The papilla plays a crucial role in hair growth.

Question 35

Which muscle contractions are responsible for 'goose bumps'?

Answer 35

Arrector pili muscles. ## Footnote Example sentence: Goose bumps are caused by the contraction of arrector pili muscles.

Question 36

What is the name of the network of sensory nerves that surrounds the base of each hair follicle?

Answer 36

Hair follicle receptors. ## Footnote Example sentence: Hair follicle receptors help in detecting changes in the environment.

Question 37

What is dandruff?

Answer 37

Flaking of the scalp due to excessive shedding of dead skin cells. ## Footnote Example sentence: Dandruff can be caused by dry scalp or fungal infections.

Question 38

What is the function of sebaceous glands vs. apocrine, merocrine, ceruminous, and exocrine glands?

Answer 38

Sebaceous: Produce oil (sebum). Apocrine: Thicker sweat in specific areas. Merocrine: Watery sweat for thermoregulation. Ceruminous: Earwax production. Exocrine: Secrete substances through ducts. ## Footnote Example sentence: Sebaceous glands help in lubricating the skin and hair.

Question 39

Where are each of the above-mentioned glands found?

Answer 39

Sebaceous: Associated with hair follicles. Apocrine: In armpits/groin. Merocrine: Distributed throughout the body. Ceruminous: Ear canal. ## Footnote Example sentence: Apocrine glands are found in areas with high hair follicle density.

Question 40

Where can the highest concentration of merocrine sweat glands be found?

Answer 40

Palms and soles. ## Footnote Example sentence: The palms and soles have a high density of merocrine sweat glands.

Question 41

Where does nail production occur? What is the nail body vs. nail bed?

Answer 41

Nail production occurs in the nail matrix. Nail body: visible part; nail bed: underlying skin. ## Footnote Example sentence: The nail matrix is responsible for nail growth.

Question 42

Eponychium vs. hyponychium vs. peronychium.

Answer 42

Eponychium: Cuticle covering the base of the nail. Hyponychium: Skin beneath the free edge. Peronychium: Skin around the sides of the nail. ## Footnote Example sentence: Proper nail care involves maintaining the eponychium and hyponychium.

Question 43

Abrasion vs. laceration vs. puncture vs. incision vs. contusion.

Answer 43

Abrasion: Scrape of the skin. Laceration: Deep cut or tear. Puncture: Small hole from a sharp object. Incision: Clean cut, often surgical. Contusion: Bruise from blunt trauma. ## Footnote Example sentence: Different types of wounds require specific treatments.

Question 44

How do fibroblasts assist in repairing a penetrating wound in the dermis?

Answer 44

They produce collagen and extracellular matrix to help heal the wound. ## Footnote Example sentence: Fibroblasts play a key role in tissue repair and wound healing.

Question 45

Which type of burn may require a skin graft?

Answer 45

Third-degree burns. ## Footnote Example sentence: Third-degree burns can cause extensive damage to the skin.

Question 46

How can skin still regenerate effectively after considerable damage?

Answer 46

Stem cells in the epidermis and dermis facilitate regeneration after injury. ## Footnote Example sentence: Skin regeneration is a natural process that helps in healing wounds.

Question 47

What is scar tissue vs. granulation tissue?

Answer 47

Scar Tissue: Dense fibrous tissue replacing normal tissue after healing. Granulation Tissue: New connective tissue and tiny blood vessels forming during healing. ## Footnote Example sentence: Scar tissue can be a result of improper wound healing.

Question 48

Which bacterial infection is often fatal?

Answer 48

Example answer: Necrotizing fasciitis. ## Footnote Example sentence: Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe bacterial infection that can be life-threatening.