The Integument

Study Guide

1. Identify the what is meant by the integumentary system and describe its organs and their functions.

2. Describe the structural organization of the skin including tissue types and layers as well as other structures. Identify the relationship of the skin's structures to its functions.

3. Identify the cellular and tissue components of the epidermis and the functions of each cell or other component.   Terms: stratum basale (germinative layer), stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum (transitional layers), stratum lucidum, stratum corneum (cornified layer), keratin (keratohyaline), keratinocytes, melanocyte, melanin, carotene, Langerhans cells.

4. Identify the cellular and tissue components of the dermis and the functions of each.   Terms: papillary layer, dermal papillae, reticular layer, Meissner's corpuscles, Merkel disks, Pacinian corpuscles, sebaceous glands, sudoriferous glands, eccrine glands, apocrine glands, ceruminous glands, arrector pili, sebum, pheromones.

5. Explain the difference in function between Merkel cells and Meissner’s corpuscles and what it means for them to be fast adapting or slowly adapting.

6. Describe several mechanisms found in the skin for thermoregulation.

7. Describe the components of the hair and hair follicle and their functions. Terms: papilla, matrix, medulla, cortex, hair root plexus.

8. Describe the formation and growth of hair: Terms: androgens, anagen, catagen, telogen.

9. Compare the formation of fingernails and toenails.

10. Describe the process of skin repair. Terms: hematoma, inflammation, granulation tissue, scar tissue,

11. Compare the three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma. Terms: apoptosis.