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Anatomy and Physiology - The Integumentary System

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    Study Guide Anatomy and Physiology – The Integumentary System 1. Quiz: The Skin and Its Functions 1. Question The skin is considered to be an organ because it __________. Answer Choices • comprises the largest part of the body • is made of epithelial tissue and connective tissue • has multiple functions ranging from physical protection to homeostasis Correct Answer is made of epithelial tissue and connective tissue Why This Is Correct An organ is made of two or more different tissue types working together. The skin contains: • epithelial tissue (the epidermis) • connective tissue (the dermis) Because it is made of multiple tissues working as one, the skin is classified as an organ . 2. Question The skin is involved in producing which of the following vitamins? Answer Choices • vitamin C • vitamin D • vitamin K

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    Study Guide Correct Answer vitamin D Why This Is Correct The skin helps produce vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight (UV rays) . Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and strong bones. 2. The Epidermis The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin . It is made of a special tissue called keratinized stratified squamous epithelium . This means: • stratified = many layers • squamous = flat cells near the surface • keratinized = filled with keratin to make skin tough and waterproof 2.1 Main Cell Types in the Epidermis There are four important types of cells found in the epidermis: 1. Keratinocytes These are the most common epidermal cells . • They produce keratin , a strong protein that: o hardens the skin o helps waterproof the skin Mature keratinocytes at the surface are: • dead • filled almost completely with keratin

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    Study Guide 2. Melanocytes Melanocytes produce melanin , which is a pigment that helps protect the skin. Melanin: • protects cells from ultraviolet (UV) radiation • is transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes 3. Langerhans Cells Langerhans cells are immune cells. • They are phagocytic macrophages , meaning they can “eat” harmful particles. • They interact with white blood cells during an immune response. Their main role is defense and protection . 4. Merkel Cells Merkel cells are found deep in the epidermis near the boundary between the epidermis and dermis. • They form Merkel discs • These discs work with nerve endings and help in sensory function (touch sensation) 2.2 Layers of the Epidermis The epidermis is made of layers arranged from top to bottom . There are two types of skin: • Thick skin (palms and soles) → 5 layers • Thin skin → 4 layers (missing the stratum lucidum) Below are the five layers (from outermost to deepest):

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    Study Guide 1. Stratum Corneum This is the top layer . • contains many layers of dead keratinocytes • the cells have no nucleus (anucleate) • cells are completely filled with keratin The outermost layers are constantly shed and replaced. 2. Stratum Lucidum (Only in thick skin) This layer is found only in: • palms of the hands • soles of the feet It contains: • 2 to 3 layers of anucleate (no nucleus) cells Present only in thick skin , not thin skin. 3. Stratum Granulosum This layer has: • 2 to 4 layers of cells • cells held together by desmosomes (strong cell “attachments”) These cells contain keratohyaline granules . Keratohyaline granules help in forming keratin in the upper layers. 4. Stratum Spinosum This layer contains: • 8 to 10 layers of cells • connected strongly by desmosomes Cells here are moderately active in mitosis , meaning some cell division still happens.

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    Study Guide 5. Stratum Basale (Stratum Germinativum) This is the deepest epidermal layer . • consists of a single layer of columnar cells • cells are actively dividing by mitosis These new cells move upward into the upper layers and eventually reach the skin surface. 3. Quiz: The Epidermis 1. Question Which of the following is the correct sequence of the layers of the epidermis in thick skin, from superficial to deep? Answer Choices • stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum basale • stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum lucidum, stratum basale • stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale Correct Answer stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale Why This Is Correct In thick skin (like palms and soles), the epidermis has five layers . From the outside going deeper, the correct order is: Corneum → Lucidum → Granulosum → Spinosum → Basale A simple way to remember is: “Come, Let’s Get Sun Burned”

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    Study Guide 2. Question Which layer of the epidermis consists of cells that are undergoing active cell reproduction and eventually migrate to the stratum corneum layer to be sloughed off? Answer Choices • stratum basale • stratum granulosum • stratum lucidum Correct Answer stratum basale Why This Is Correct The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is where new skin cells are constantly being produced through mitosis. These new cells then move upward until they reach the surface and are shed. 3. Question Which layer of the epidermis consists of cells that produce the tough protein substance called keratin? Answer Choices • stratum corneum • stratum granulosum • stratum spinosum Correct Answer stratum spinosum

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    Study Guide Why This Is Correct The stratum spinosum contains cells that begin producing keratin , a tough protein that helps protect skin. Keratin makes the skin stronger and more resistant to damage. 4. Question In the stratum basale layer are cells that produce pigment and do not migrate. What are those cells called? Answer Choices • keratinocytes • melanocytes • Merkel cells Correct Answer melanocytes Why This Is Correct Melanocytes stay in the stratum basale and produce melanin , the pigment responsible for skin color. Unlike keratinocytes, melanocytes do not migrate upward through the layers. 5. Question There are cells in the epidermis that produce a pigment that protects against DNA mutation by UV radiation and helps create skin color and a tan. What are these cells called? Answer Choices • keratinocytes • Langerhans cells • melanocytes

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    Study Guide Correct Answer melanocytes Why This Is Correct Melanocytes produce melanin , which absorbs UV radiation and helps protect skin cells from DNA damage. More melanin production can lead to tanning . 6. Question Which of the following cells are associated with the sensory function of skin? Answer Choices • Keratinocytes • Langerhans cells • Merkel cells Correct Answer Merkel cells Why This Is Correct Merkel cells are sensory cells that help with touch and pressure detection . They work with nerve endings to help you feel things like light touch. 7. Question The skin also provides protection against pathogens via the activity of the __________.

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