Integumentary System and Related Terms

integumentary system

• skin and its accessory structures (e.g., hair, nails, and glands)

• the system responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption

• the network of bones and cartilage in the body

• the system that regulates blood circulation and oxygen transport

Pacinian tactile corpuscle

• receptor located in reticular layer of the dermis that responds to a deeper pressure vibration

• receptor found in the epidermis that detects light touch

• nerve ending that senses temperature changes

• mechanoreceptor that responds to pain stimuli

nail cuticle

• fold of epithelium that extends over the nail bed, also called the eponychium

• a type of nail polish used for decoration

• the area of skin surrounding the nail

• a tool used for cutting nails

eccrine sweat gland

• A type of sweat gland that is the most common throughout the skin surface; it produces a watery sweat for thermoregulation

• A type of sweat gland that is primarily found in the armpits and groin; it produces a thick, oily sweat

• A type of sweat gland that is responsible for producing pheromones

• A type of sweat gland that is only active during exercise and not at rest

adipocytes

• muscle cells - Each cell contracts to facilitate movement

• nerve cells - Each cell transmits electrical signals

• fat cells - Each cell stores a single, large fat droplet

• blood cells - Each cell carries oxygen throughout the body

eczema

• A skin condition caused by an allergic reaction, resembling a rash of dry, itchy patches of skin

• A viral infection that causes blisters and sores on the skin

• A bacterial infection leading to redness and swelling of the skin

• A fungal infection that results in flaky and scaly skin

squamous cell carcinoma

• A type of skin cancer that affects the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum of the epidermis

• A benign tumor of the skin

• A type of melanoma that originates from melanocytes

• A viral infection that causes skin lesions

apocrine secretion

• A mode of secretion where the glandular cell sheds portions of its cytoplasm. Eg mammary glands

• A mode of secretion where the glandular cell releases its entire contents. Eg sweat glands

• A mode of secretion that involves the secretion of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Eg adrenal glands

• A mode of secretion that involves the exocytosis of vesicles. Eg salivary glands

basal cell carcinoma

• A type of skin cancer that originates from basal cells in the epidermis

• A rare form of skin cancer that affects only the legs

• A benign tumor that does not require treatment

• A type of cancer that primarily affects the lungs

elastin fibers

• fibers made of the protein elastin that increase the elasticity of the dermis

• fibers that provide structural support to the skin

• fibers that are responsible for skin pigmentation

• fibers that help in the healing of wounds