List and describe the functions of the Integumentary System.

The integumentary system is comprised of the Skin and its structures like the hair and
nails. Its functions include:
Thermoregulation: Keeping the body at a set temp, mostly through sweating.
Protection: Protecting from foreign substances, microbes and dehydration.
Providing Sensory information: The sense of touch, pain, etc.
List and describe each of the layers of human skin.
Starting at the BOTTOM MOST DEEP LAYER, the layers are:
Stratum Basale: The basal layer. Made up of Cuboidal or columnar keratinocytes.
Contains some stem cells that are constantly dividing to create more skin cells. These
cells are Metabolically active, large nuclei and lots of ribosomes. They contain Keratin
intermediate filaments that later form the keratin proteins in higher levels. These
filaments bind to des and hemidesomosomes and create a strong network that anchors
this layer to those above and below it. Melanocytes and tactile disks are scattered
through out.
Stratum Spinosum: 8-10 layers of keratinocytes that are somewhat flattened as they
move up from the Stratum Basale below. Cells here make coarser bundles of Keratin
intermediate fibers. These fibers are what give the layer its Spinosum name, because
when looked at under a microscope, the cells look Spiny or Spiky. Interdermal
Macrophages and projections of melanocytes are found here.
Stratum Granulosum: 3-5 layers of Keratinocytes that are now fully flattened. Far
enough from the basement layer that it isn't receiving nutrients and is dying. Nuclei and
organelles breaking down, making Keratin fibers more apparent. Named because of the
granules of keratin hyalin that are present; those granules assist in turning keratin
intermediate filaments into keratin fibers. Lamellar Granules also present. These
granules infuse the cells with lipids to make them more water resistant.
Stratum Lucidum: Found only in thick skin at the finger tips, palms and soles of feet.
4-6 layers of clear, flattened, dead keratinocytes. They have large amounts of keratin and
thick plasma membranes. Provides extra toughness.
Stratum Corneum: 25-30 layers of flat, dead keratinocytes. Can be more then 50 layers
thick in thick skin. No nuclei or organelles, nothing but plasma membranes filled with
packs of keratin. Layered like scales and arranged in a wavy folds like a jigsaw puzzle.
Functions solely for protection. Excessive friction in an area stimulates the area to
generate thicker layers of stratum corneum, commonly called a callus.

List the characteristics of the epidermis and describe/diagram the cell types and layers of
the epidermis.
The epidermis is made up of Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It has 4 main
cells: Keratinocytes, Melanocytes, Interdermal Macrophages, and Tactile epithelial cells
(Merkel Cells).
Describe the function of the different epidermal cell types.
Keratinocytes are the main cells, produce lamellar granules. Melanocytes produce
yellow-red and Black-brown melanin; they have projections that they wrap around
keratinocytes and use to transfer melanin, which clusters around the nucleus of the
keratinocytes to protect them from UV. Interdermal Macrophages (Langerhans cells) are
from red bone marrow, they are immune cells that act as pathogen surveillance. Tactile
(Merkel) cells are in contact with the ends of sensory nerves and detect touch
sensations.
Explain the formation of the pigments carotene and the melanins, give the function for each
and explain how each can determine skin color.
Melanin is the primary pigment in the skin. Comes in two forms, Pheomelanin which is
red-yellow and Eumelanin which is brown-black. It is produced by Melanocytes in the
skin. Different skin color is the result of more or less of the pigments and which pigment
is produced. Produced from the amino acid Tyrosine in special organelles.
Carotene is a yellow-orange pigment that gives egg yolks and carrots their color.
Precursor of Vitamin A, which is essential for vision. Stored in Stratum Corneum and
fatty areas of the dermis. When large amounts are ingested, it can give the skin an orange
tint.
Describe how the epidermis grows, including the role of EGF and the process of
kertinization
The short form is that they form at the Stratum Basale and get pushed up and flattened by
the formation of new cells beneath them. As the get pushed up, they lose their connection
to nutrients and die, while they are also filled with Keratin fibers. It takes about 4-6
weeks, which shortens if the superficial layers are damaged. EGF (epidermal growth
factor) stimulates growth and differentiation of the stratum basale, speeding up the
process.
7. Describe the structure and function of the two layers of the dermis and its accessory
structures, and explain how the dermis and epidermis are held together.
The two regions are the Papillary and Reticular Regions.
Papillary region is the superficial region of the dermis; it's thinner and comprises only
1/5th of the dermis. Contains Collagen and elastic fibers. Has Dermal Papillae, small
structures that project into the the epidermis. These function to increase the surface area
(For nutrient diffusion), contain capillary loops, and contain the nerve endings to sense
touch, heat, cold, pain, tickling and itching.

The Reticular Region has some fibroblasts, wandering cells, and even adipose cells in the
deepest section. Has Thick Collagen fibers and a few thick elastic fibers arranged in
netlike manner. Makes the tissue strong and elastic. Blood Vessels, nerves, hair follicles,
sebaceous glands, sweat glands, etc are found between the fibers.
Compare and contrast the basic processes of epidermal and deep wound healing.
Epidermal healing is when just the epidermis is damaged but the dermis is undamaged.
Abrasions and minor burns. Basal cells around the wound break contact with the
basement membrane, enlarge, and then migrate across the wound until they contact one
another. EGH causes them to divide and replace cells. This rebuilds the strata bottom
layer that then builds up the other layers as per normal.
4 phases to deep wound healing:
Inflammatory phase: Blood clot loosely unites the wound edges. Blood cells dilate
letting immune cells in to kill foreign microbes and remove cellular debris. Mesenchymal
Cells arrive and develop into Fibroblasts.
Migratory phase: Clot becomes a scab. Epithelial cells migrate beneath scab and bridge
the wound. Fibroblasts migrate into wound and synthesize scar tissue (Collagen and
glycoproteins) Blood vessels begin to regenerate.
Proliferative phase: Growth of epithelial cells beneath scab, fibroblasts produce
collagen in random patterns and blood vessels continue to grow.
Maturation Phase: Scab falls off. Epidermis restored to normal thickness. Collegen
fibers become more organized and fibroblasts decrease in number. Blood vessels return to
normal size.
List the various types of skin cancer and describe their relative severity.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: 78% of all skin cancer. Comes from basale layer. Not very
dangerous, rarely metastasize.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 20% of skin cancer. From Stratum Spinosum. Variable
tendency to metastasize, more dangerous than basal.
Malignant Melanoma: 2% of skin cancer. From Melanocytes. Very likely to
metastasize. Most dangerous.
Diagram and describe the structures which make up hair follicles and nails, and explain
how these structures grow and how hair gets its color.
The hair follicle is made of an internal and external root sheath. The external is a
downward continuation of the the epidermis, and the internal is formed by the hair matrix
(Germinal layer of cells). Together they are called the Epithelial root sheath. They are
surrounded by dense dermal tissue called the dermal root sheath. At the base is the hair
bulb. It contains areolar connective tissue, the blood supply for the hair and the hair
matrix, the cells that are responsible for growing the hair.
Hair has a 3 part growth cycle: Growth, Regression and rest. It grows for 2-6 years, then
regresses for 2-3 weeks before resting for about 3 months. It gets its color from
Melanocytes that fill it with melanin.

Nails grow from the nail matrix. Not sure all of the stuff he wants for this...uh. The nail
root is where the nail attaches to the finger, and the hyponychium secures the nail to the
finger tip. The Lunula is the white crescent at the base of the nail, and the nail bed, nail
body, and free edge should be self explanatory.
Describe in detail the glands of the integumentary system, their function and their
products. (Table 5.3 is helpful)
In detail. Of course.
Sebaceous Glands: Simple, branched acinar, always connected to hair follicle, secrete
oily substance called sebum. Prevents dehydration of skin and hair, prevents some
bacterial growth.
Sudoriferous (sweat) Glands: Release sweat. Come in two kinds, Eccrine and Apocrine.
Eccrine are simple coiled tubular, found on majority of body, secrete about 600 ml per
day total. Thermoregulation. Apocrine glands are simple coiled tubular, their ducts and
lumen are larger than eccrine, secrete via exocytosis despite the name. Found in armpits
and groin, areola and bearded regions of men. Sweat is yellowish or whitish, with lipids
and proteins not found in eccrine sweat. Odorless, but eaten by bacteria that create a
smell. Don't function till puberty and don't do thermoregulation.
Ceruminous Glands: Modified sweat glands found in ear. Produce earwax in tandem
with sebaceous glands.
12. Describe the types of hairs found on a human.
There are three kinds: Lanugo, Vellus and Terminal.
Lanugo hair covers the body of the fetus.
Vellus hair is the peach fuzz, clear , fine hair.
Terminal hair is thicker, pigmented hair found in the armpits, pubic regions, head and
beard.
13. Compare and contrast sensible and insensible perspiration and list the ways that the
human integumentary system functions to regulate body temp.
Insensible sweating is when sweat evaporates before it is perceived. Sensible sweating is
larger amounts that can be seen and noticed before evaporating.
Thermoregulation is done via sweating, regulating bloodflow through the dermis and
thats all I could find in his notes.
14. Explain how burns are classified, and describe the major complications of serious
burns. (also define the rule of nines) (pgs. 164-165)
Classified into first, second and third degree burns.
First degree burns have pain and redness but skin is intact.
Second degree involves dermis and epidermis and has pain, redness, edema, and
blistering. Some skin function lost. Hair and glands usually not destroyed, heals in 2-4
weeks, scaring can occur.
Third degree: Involves dermis, epidermis and Subcutaneous layer. White to mahogany
in color, marked edema, no pain because of destruction of nerves. Skin function lost,
regenerates very slowly and skin grafts may be needed.

A major burn is Third degree over 10% of body, second degree over 25% or any third on
the hands, feet, face or groin. When burn area exceeds 70%, mortality rates exceed 50%.
Rule of Nines is used to estimate burn coverage. Add 9% for Front and back of head and
neck, 9% each full arm (4.5% for the fore or upper arm alone), 18% for front trunk,
another 18% for back trunk. 18% for each leg (or 9% for upper or lower leg alone) and
1% for genitals.
The major complications for serious burns are dehydration (Skin no longer keeps fluids
in) and infection.
Define:

Psoriasis

Erythema

Pallor

Nevus
Albinism

Jaundice
Pressure ulcers

Cyanotic (cyanosis)
Vitiligo

Callus

Pressure ulcers are areas where tissue is damaged due to restriction of blood flow caused by
pressure. Bed sores.
Albinism is a genetic condition where an individual doesn't make melanin.
Psoriasis is when the keratinocytes divide and migrate too quickly and the skin sheds
excessively.
Vitiligo: Patches of skin lose their Melanocytes, producing white spots. Believed to be related to
improper immune response destroying melanocytes.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin due to a build up of Bilirubin. Indicative of liver disease.
Erythema: Redness of skin caused by enlargement of blood vessels. Indicative of skin injury,
excessive heat, infection, allergies or embarrassment.
Pallor: Paleness, generally indicative of shock or anemia.
Cyanosis: Skin gets a bluish tinge to it. Due to restricted oxygen flow.
Nevus: A mole.