Human Anatomy Study Guide

Chapter 5: Integumentary System

Integumentary System: organ system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. Primary
functions include protection, prevention of water loss, temperature regulation, metabolic regulation,
immune defense, sensory reception, and excretion.

- Epidermis: most superficial layer, composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

o Stratum Corneum (most superficial layer)
 15 to 30 layers of dry, dead, keratinocytes
 Functions:
 Prevents penetration of microbes
 Prevents dehydration of underlying tissues
 Provides mechanical protection against abrasion for underlying layers
 Cells in this layer are continuously shed and replaced from keratinocytes being
pushed up from underlying layers, entire layer is typically replaced every 4
weeks
 Fun fact: cells in this layer can still be held together via desmosomes,
hence why when you’re sunburnt and you peel off your skin, it comes
off in sheets
o Stratum Lucidum (only found in thick skin)
 Thin layer of cells found only on thick skin, such as: palms and soles
 Keratinocytes are dead and flattened (nuclei have disintegrated as keratinocytes
move up from the stratum granulosum), also contains eleiden (protein rich in
lipids, lucid in appearance (lucidum), helps provide a barrier to water)
o Stratum Granulosum
 3 to 5 layers of keratinocytes, become flatter in appearance
 Large amounts of fibrous keratin protein (thickens cell membranes) and
keratohyalin (lamellar granules)
o Stratum Spinosum
 8 to 10 layers of keratinocytes
 Cells are joined together via structures called desmosomes (intercellular
junctions that provide strong adhesion between cells)
 Contains epidermal dendritic cells (function as macrophages, engulfing
bacteria, foreign particles, and damaged cells in this layer)
o Stratum Basale (deepest layer)
 Single layer of basal cells – produces all of the keratinocytes via mitosis
 Bonds to the dermis via basement membrane (collagen fibers)
 Contains keratinocytes (precursor for keratinocytes found in upper layers),
melanocytes (produces melanin, gives hair and skin its color, protects from UV
radiation damage), and Merkel cells (receptor for stimulating sensory nerves)
Thick Skin vs Thin Skin

- Thick Skin: found on the palm of hands and soles of feet

o Significantly thicker epidermal layer to resist abrasion in high mechanical stress areas
o Contains sweat glands
o DOES NOT have hair follicles or sebaceous glands
- Thin Skin: covers most of the body except palms of hands and soles of feet
o Thin epidermis
o Contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands

Pigmentation: color of skin is influenced by multiple pigments, primarily melanin

- Melanin: dark skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with lighter skin
o Exposure to UV rays of the sun stimulate production of melanin from melanocytes,
accumulated of melanin in keratinocytes results in darkening of the skin (tan)
o Increased UV exposure = increased UV protection, however, results in reduced vitamin
D production (lighter skin produces more vitamin D)
- Carotene
- Hemoglobin

Dermis: composed of two primary layers

- Papillary Layer: composed of areolar connective tissue

o Dermal papillae: finger like projections that help lock the epidermis to the dermis. They
also help provide a large surface area to the epidermis, allowing for nutrients and
oxygen to be brought to the lower layers of the epidermal cells
- Reticular Layer: dense irregular connective tissue, contributes to strength and flexibility of skin
o Makes up around 80% of the dermis, vascularized and rich sensory nerve supply
o Contains hair follicles, arrector pili muscles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands (apocrine
and merocrine), and sensory receptors (tactile receptor/Meissner’s corpuscle and
lamellated corpuscles– sensitivity to touch and pressure).
 Merocrine Sweat Gland: sweat glands primarily for thermoregulation. Found all
over the skin surface, but abundantly on palms of hand, soles of feet, and
forehead. These glands are coiled and lie within the dermis, with a duct that
reaches through the epidermis. Sweat from this gland is mostly water with some
salt and antibodies.
 Apocrine Sweat Gland: usually associated with hair follicles, larger in size and lie
deeper within the dermis. Sweat from this gland is generally thicker and subject
to bacterial decomposition (smelly sweat)
 Sebaceous Gland: usually associated with hair follicles, helps lubricate and
waterproof the skin and hair. They secrete sebum, a mixture of lipids that acts
as a natural lubricant to the dry and dead layer of skin.
Hypodermis: subcutaneous layer, composed of areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue. Connects
skin to fibrous tissue surrounding the muscles. This layer is highly vascularized and provides fat storage,
insulation, and cushioning for the integument.

Types of Burns

- 1st Degree/Superficial: only through epidermis

- 2nd Degree/Partial Thickness: through epidermis and part of dermis
- 3rd Degree/Full Thickness: damage to all layers

Short Term and Long Term Risks for Burn Patients

- Short Term: dehydration and infection

- Long Term: complications of removing dead tissue (debridement), controlling swelling, skin
graft, increasing caloric and fluid intake
o Children are at particular risk because small surface area and issues with growth