Integumentary system

• What are the functions of the integumentary system?

  Protective barrier, immunoregulation, vitamin D synthesis
• What is the outer layer of the skin called?

  Epidermis
• What is the primary role of keratinocytes in the epidermis?

  Producing keratin and providing protection
• What type of cells are found in the stratum corneum?

  Dead, flattened keratin cells
• What is the role of dendritic cells in the epidermis?


  They play a role in the immune system
• Where are melanocytes located in the skin?


  Stratum basale of the epidermis
• What hormone controls the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes?


  Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)
• What is albinism characterized by?

  Little to no melanin production
• What is the dermis primarily composed of?


  Dense connective tissue
• What is the function of the papillary layer of the dermis?


  Increases surface area and interdigitates with epidermis
• What is the role of the reticular layer of the dermis?

  Provides strength and elasticity to the skin
• What type of tissue is the hypodermis primarily made of?

  Areal connective tissue
• What is the function of panniculus adiposus in the hypodermis?

  Storage of fat
• What are sudoriferous glands commonly known as?


  Sweat glands
• What type of glands are sebaceous glands?

  Holocrine glands
• Where do sebaceous glands empty their secretion?

  Into hair follicles
• What is the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?


  Softens, lubricates, and is bactericidal
• What are the types of sensory receptors found in the skin?

  Nociceptors, thermoreceptors, mechanoreceptors
• What do Pacinian corpuscles detect?

  Vibration
• What is the role of Meissner's corpuscles?


  Detect light touch
• What do Ruffini cylinders sense?


  Stretch
• What is the primary physiological mechanism for thermoregulation?

  Sweating
• What is vasodilation?


  Widening of blood vessels
• What happens during vasoconstriction?

  Narrowing of blood vessels occurs
• What is hair primarily composed of?

  Protein filament
• What is the function of hair follicles?

  Support hair growth
• What is the medulla of hair responsible for?

  Strength and elasticity of hair
• What does the cortex of hair contain?

  Several layers of cornified cells
• What is the cuticle of hair made of?

  Overlapping compressed keratinized cells
• What are guard hairs?

  Stiff, straight fibers in outer coat
• What are tactile hairs used for?

  Touch receptors
• What are feathers primarily composed of?

  Epidermal growths
• What is the primary function of feathers?

  Insulation and controlling flight
• What are scales in the integumentary system?

  Small rigid plates in skin surface
• What is the primary function of nails and claws?

  Protection and support for digits
• What are the three regions of a nail?

  Body, free edge, and nail root
• How are claws formed?

  From modified epidermis
• What is the corium in modified epidermis structures?

  Vascularized connective tissue in hooves
• What are horns made of?

  Highly keratinized stratum corneum
• How do antlers differ from horns?

  Antlers are shed annually, horns are not