INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM REVIEW
Function
Term
Integumentary
System
The outermost layer of the skin that consists of stratified
squamous epithelial tissue.
Dermis
Found in the upper layers of the dermis, they create your
fingerprint pattern.
Hypodermis
Small epidermal structures with nerve endings that are
sensitive to touch and pressure.
Pacinian (Lamellar)
Corpuscle
A layer of the epidermis found only in the thick skin of the
fingers, palms, and soles.
Stratum Basale
(Germinativum)
1
A 3 to 5 cell layer in the epidermis and considered a
transitional layer sandwiched between the metabolically
active layers beneath and the non-viable layer (as it contains
dead cells) above. It is also referred to as the granular layer,
as the cells contain irregularly shaped granules.
Stratum Spinosum
The outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of
flattened, keratinized cells.
Keratinocytes
A tough, fibrous protein that replaces the cytoplasm and
nucleus in each cell.
Melanocytes
Yellow-brown or black pigment.
Carotene
Special macrophages that serve as antigen-presenting cells
in the skin.
2
Merkel’s Cells
Part of hair that is above the epidermis but is not anchored
to the follicle.
Root Hair Plexus
(Hair Follicle
Receptor)
Layer that supplies nutrients to select layers of the
epidermis and regulates temperature.
Reticular Layer
Mass of connective tissue, blood capillaries, and nerve
endings at the base of the hair follicle.
Hair Follicle
Structure at the base of the hair root that surrounds the
dermal papilla.
Hair Root
3
Layer of basal cells from which a strand of hair grows.
Cortex
In hair, the innermost layer of keratinocytes originating
from the hair matrix.
Connective Tissue
Root Sheath
A covering of epithelium produced by the matrix that
surrounds the root of the hair.
External Epithelial
Root Sheath
Layer of connective tissue that surrounds the base of the
hair follicle, connecting it to the dermis.
Cuticle
Main keratinous plate that forms the nail.
Hyponychium
4
Basal part of the nail body that consists of a crescent-shaped
layer of thick epithelium.
Nail Bed
Type of oil gland found in the dermis all over the body and
helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair by
secreting sebum.
Sebum
These glands open into the hair follicle and secrete an oily
substance called sebum. They are far more numerous and
are abundant on palms, soles of feet and forehead.
Apocrine Sweat
Gland
A smooth muscle attached to hair follicles that causes
"goose bumps" to appear on the skin when contracted.
5