Integumentary system

• What does the integumentary system consist of?

  The integumentary system consists of the skin and accessory structures such as hair, glands, and nails.
• What does the term "integument" mean?

  Integument means covering.
• How can the appearance of the integumentary system indicate physiological imbalances?

  The appearance can reflect underlying health issues or imbalances in the body.
• What causes goosebumps on the skin?

  The arrector pili muscle causes goosebumps on the skin.
• Is the subcutaneous tissue considered part of the skin?

  No, the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) is not a part of the skin.
• What are the main functions of the integumentary system?

  • Protection against abrasion and UV light
  • Sensation through sensory receptors
  • Vitamin D production from UV light
  • Temperature regulation via blood flow and sweat glands
  • Excretion of waste products through sweat
• What is one protective function of the integumentary system?

  It provides protection against abrasion and UV light.
• How does the integumentary system contribute to sensation?

  It has sensory receptors that can detect heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain.
• What happens to the skin when it is exposed to UV light?

  The skin produces a molecule that can be transformed into vitamin D.
• How does the integumentary system regulate body temperature?

  Through blood flow beneath the skin's surface and the activity of sweat glands.
• What waste products can be lost through the skin?

  Small amounts of waste products such as urea, uric acid, and ammonia.
• What are the protective functions of the integumentary system?

  1. Reduces body water loss

  2. Acts as a barrier against microorganisms

  3. Protects underlying structures from abrasion

  4. Melanin absorbs UV light

  5. Hair provides protection

  6. Nails protect fingers and toes
• What can receptors in the epidermis and dermis detect?

  They can detect pain, pressure, heat, and cold.
• How do sensory receptors around hair follicles contribute to sensation?

  They can detect the movement of the hair.
• What role does UV light play in vitamin D production?

  UV light causes the skin to produce a precursor molecule of vitamin D.
• What happens to the precursor molecule of vitamin D after it is produced in the skin?

  It is carried by the blood to the liver for enzymatic conversion.
• How is the active form of vitamin D produced?

  The precursor molecule is converted in the kidneys to the active form of vitamin D.
• What is the function of vitamin D in the body?

  Vitamin D stimulates the small intestine to absorb calcium and phosphate.
• Why is temperature regulation important in the body?

  Because changes in body temperature can affect the rate of chemical reactions.
• What happens to blood vessels in the dermis when the body needs to cool down?

  Blood vessels dilate to enable more blood flow to the skin.
• What is the process of heat loss through sweat called?

  Evaporative cooling.
• What occurs if body temperature drops below normal?

  Heat can be conserved by the constriction of dermal blood vessels.
• What is vasoconstriction?

  Vasoconstriction is the constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
• How does the skin temperature change when blood flow is reduced?

  The skin temperature decreases as less warm blood flows through it.
• What is the role of the integumentary system in excretion?

  • Plays a minor role in excretion
  • Removes waste products like water, salt, urea, uric acid, and ammonia
  • Sweat glands do not significantly contribute to waste excretion
• How is the integumentary system useful in diagnosis?

  It is easily observed and can indicate health issues.
• What is cyanosis?

  Cyanosis is a bluish color to the skin caused by decreased blood oxygen.
• What does jaundice indicate?

  Jaundice indicates liver damage and is characterized by a yellowish skin color.
• What are the two major tissue layers of the skin?

  The two major tissue layers are the epidermis and dermis.
• What is the epidermis also known as?

  The epidermis is also known as the cutaneous membrane.
• What type of epithelium makes up the epidermis?

  The epidermis is made up of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
• What is the function of the stratum corneum?

  The stratum corneum prevents water loss and resists abrasion.
• What is dandruff?

  Dandruff is excessive sloughing of the stratum corneum cells from the surface of the scalp.
• What is a callus?

  A callus is a thick area produced where layers in the stratum corneum slightly increase due to friction.
• What is a corn?

  A corn is a cone-shaped structure formed over a bony prominence where the stratum corneum thickens.
• What is the dermis composed of?

  The dermis is composed of dense connective tissue containing fibroblasts, adipocytes, and macrophages.
• What are cleavage lines in the dermis?


  Cleavage lines are more resistant to stretch and are oriented in specific directions.
• What happens when an incision is made parallel to cleavage lines?

  The incision tends to gap less and produce less scar tissue.
• What are dermal papillae?

  Dermal papillae are projections toward the epidermis found in the upper part of the dermis.
• What is a burn?


  A burn is an injury to tissue caused by heat, cold, friction, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.