CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES:

1. Explain why the skin is called the cutaneous membrane.

o The skin is called the cutaneous membrane because it composed of several types
of tissue that make up the skin

2. Name the layers of the skin, describe the structure (tissues) of each, and name a general
function of each.

Layer Structure Function

Epidermis The most superficial layer of skin The function of the
and is composed of stratified Epidermis is to protect skin.
squamous epithelium tissue that
has keratinized (dead) cells.
Dermis The layer under the epidermis and The function of the dermis is
it is composed of connective tissue to provide nutrients to the
with elastic and collagen fibers, epidermis.
also have smooth muscle, nervous
tissue, and blood and lymphatic
vessels
Subcutaneo The deepest layer of the skin (not The function of the
us Layer part of skin) is composed of Subcutaneous layer is to
areolar and connective tissues. conserve body heat and bind
skin to organs.

3. Discuss the four cell types present in the epidermis.

1
 o Tactile Cells
 Location: Scattered among stratum Basale
 Each cell has a nerve ending that form tactile disc
 Function: respond to touch when pressed, they stimulate the nerve endings in
tactile disc
o Dendric Cells
 Location: stratum spinosum
 Function: protect the skin and deeper tissue from pathogen invasion
 Alerts immune cells
o Melanocytes
 Location; stratum basale
 Function: Produce melanin that provides skin color and absorb Ultraviolet
radiation in Sunlight

4. List the four/five layers of the epidermis and explain the process of keratinization.

Layer (In order Deep to Process of Keratinization

Superficial)
Stratum Basale A single row of dividing
cells
Stratum Spinosum Dividing cells in deeper
portion
Stratum Granulosum Keratinization begins
Statum Luidum Keratocytes in layers
(only soles of feet and change shape as moved up
palms of hands)
Stratum Corneum Fully Kerinizatied
outermost layer made of
dead cells (shed over time)

5. Explain the protective role of keratin, and in turn, the epidermis.

o The protective role of keratin is to provide multiple layers to create a barrier so

nothing under the skin is compromised

6. Name the pigment responsible for skin and hair color, and explain how people of
different races (i.e. and skin color) differ in regards to it, and the cell that produces it.

o Melanin

2
  Differences in skin color is genetically based of how much melanin
melanocytes (cell that produce melanin) makes.
▫ More Melanin = Darker your skin color is (granules are single and large)
▫ Less Melanin = Lighter your skin color is (granules are smaller and in
clusters of 2 or 4)
▫ No Melanin = No pigment in skin
 Differences in hair color is genetically based on the type and amount of
melanin
▫ Eumelanin (brownish-black) = Dark Hair
▫ Pheomelanin (reddish-yellow) = Red and Blonde hair
▫ No melanin = White hair
▫ Mix of pigmented and unpigmented hair = Gray hair

7. List some factors that promote the production of melanin (besides DNA).
 Environmental Factors
o Sunlight, Ultraviolet light from sunlamps, and x-rays
 Physiological Factors
o Blood in the dermal vessels, state of blood vessels, and diseases

8. Distinguish between the papillary layer and reticular layer of the dermis, and locate the
appropriate sensory receptor in each of these layers.

 Papillary Layer (Superior Layer)

o Structure: made of areolar connective tissue
o Sensory Receptor: Tactile (Meissner’s) corpuscles
 Reticular Layer (Deep Layer)
o Structure: made of dense irregular connective tissue (has tough collagen fibers
and elastic fibers)
o Sensory Receptor: Lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles

9. Compare and contrast Meissner's and Pacinian Corpuscle's in terms of their structure,
function, and location.
 Meissner’s Corpuscles
o Location: Upper Dermis
o Function: senses light and touch
 Lamellated Corpuscles
o Location: Deeper Dermis
o Function: responds to heavy pressure

10. Describe the structure and function of the subcutaneous layer

3
  Subcutaneous Layer
o Structure: made of areolar and adipose connective tissue
o Function: conserve body heat and bind skin to underlying organs

11. Explain what is meant by the term epidermal derivative, and list four examples.

12. Describe the general structure of a hair follicle and identify two other structures that are
always associated with them.

13. Distinguish between merocrine (eccrine) and apocrine sweat glands in terms of structure,
secretion content and odor, activation, and major body locations.

14. Name two modified apocrine glands of the skin.

15. Describe the structure, function, secretion, and location of sebaceous glands.

4
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Objectives (continued)

16. Discuss the many functions of skin.

17. Describe some major homeostatic imbalances of the skin.

18. Sketch a typical layer of skin and label each layer and all structures. Then in complete
sentences, discuss the function of each layer and structure.

5
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

I. INTRODUCTION

The integumentary system is the first body system we will study. Before we begin any
study of a body system, we will first think about the organs/tissues that work together to
perform the function(s) of that system.

The integumentary system consists of a major organ, skin, and many epidermal
derivatives (accessory organs), which include hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat
glands, and nails.

In addition, the organs of the integumentary system are composed of many different
tissues that perform common functions. Look at Figure 6.1, page 169 and Figure 6.2,
page 170, and name as many different tissues as you can. These tissues include stratified
squamous epithelium, glandular epithelium, dense irregular CT, smooth muscle tissue,
blood vessels, adipose tissue, and nervous tissue. The functions that these tissues
collectively perform are many. Functions of the skin include protection, excretion,
regulation of body temperature, sensory reception, immunity, synthesis of Vitamin D,
and blood reservoir.

II. SKIN (Cutaneous Membrane)

A. General Structure: See Fig 6.2, page 170.

1. Two distinct regions or layers compose the skin:

a. Epidermis = outermost layer;
 keratinized stratified squamous ET.
b. Dermis = inner layer;
 keratinized epithelium (hair follicles),
 glandular epithelium (sweat, sebaceous glands),
 dense irregular CT (collagen),
 smooth muscle tissue (arrector pili muscles),
 nervous tissue (Meissner's & Pacinian Corpuscles), and
 blood vessels.
(c. Subcutaneous layer = adipose tissue;
distinct layer beneath skin).

B. General Functions:
Each skin layer has its own unique function:
1. Epidermis = protection;
2. Dermis = nourishment of epidermis;
3. Subcutaneous layer = insulation.

6
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

II. SKIN (continued)

C. Epidermis:

1. Structure = keratinized stratified squamous epithelium;

See Fig 6.3, page 171 and Table 6.1, page 172.

a. Five distinct layers determined by the extent of keratinization in

the epithelial cells:

1. Stratum corneum = outermost layer.

 composed of dead epithelial cells filled with the

protein keratin;

2. Stratum lucidum = translucent layer cells separating

s.corneum from s. granulosum.

o only in thick skin of soles & palms;

3. Stratum granulosum is composed of 3-5 layers of

flattened granular cells (filled with keratin);

4. Stratum spinosum is composed of many layers of rounded

cells with large nuclei;

5. Stratum basale = innermost layer;

 directly above basement membrane;

 composed of a single row mitosing cuboidal
epithelial cells and
 composed of melanocytes.

a. specialized cells that produce the pigment

melanin.

b. See Figure 6.4, page 173, which illustrates

the pigmentation in melanocytes.

7
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

II. C. Epidermis of Skin (continued)

2. Function = Protection (keratin):

a. moisture loss (waterproof);

b. injury;
c. microorganisms/chemicals.

3. Pigment = Melanin: See Fig 6.4, page 173 and Fig 6.5, page 176.

a. determines skin color:

b. is produced by melanocytes in stratum
basale;
c. People of different races have essentially
the same # of melanocytes, but the amount of melanin produced
varies (determined by DNA);
d. Other factors also affect melanin
production:

 UV rays,
 chemicals,
 drugs (antihistamines & antibiotics);

* Note that other factors may affect skin color (but not melanin
production):

 Carotene may accumulate in s. corneum = yellow;

 Hemoglobin (Hb) in dermal
blood vessels = pink;
 Lack of Hb in dermal blood
vessels = blue (cyanosis.)

D. Dermis: inner layer of skin;

binds epidermis to underlying tissues.

1. Structure: See Fig 6.2, page 162.

a. two distinct layers:

1. papillary layer (20%) is a below epidermis:
 composed of loose areolar CT;
 surface forms
dermal papillae (finger-like projections into the
epidermis) which house many

8
 Meissner's Corpuscles (sensory receptor for light
touch).

9
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

II. D. 1. Structure of Dermal Layer of Skin (continued)

a. two distinct layers

2. reticular layer (80%) = dense irregular CT;

 bundles of collagen fibers,
 elastic fibers, and
 reticular fibers which give skin its
 strength and resiliency.

b. The dermis houses epidermal derivatives or accesory organs (see

below).
2. Function = nourishment of epidermis.

E. Subcutaneous Layer = beneath skin.

1. Structure = adipose tissue & blood vessels;
2. Function = insulation.

III. ACCESSORY ORGANS (Epidermal Derivatives)

Consider these structures as extensions of the epidermis (i.e. They are epithelium),
although they are located in the dermis.

A. Hair Follicles: See Fig 6.6 and 6.7, page 177.

1. Structure:
a. root or base in deep dermis;
b. follicle throughout dermis;
c. hair shaft in epidermis.

2. Keratinization
a. cells are epithelium;
b. cells in root = active mitosis;
c. cells in follicle = maturing & accumulating
keratin;
d. cells in epidermis = dead epithelial cells;
full of keratin = exposed hair or hair shaft.

3. Pigment = Melanin

4. Arrector Pili Muscle = a bundle of smooth muscle

associated with every hair follicle. See Fig 6.6a, page 177.
a. causes hair to stand on end ("goose bumps") when frightened or
cold.
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

10
III. Accessory Organs (continued)
B. Nails: See Fig 6.8, page 179.
1. Epithelium undergoing keratinization (active mitosis in lunula).
2. Functions:
 manipulation;
 protection of digit ends.
C. Sweat Glands (Sudoriferous Glands)
1. Two types
(based on glandular
secretion): See Fig 6.10
& 6.11, page 181.
a. Merocrine (Eccrine)
Glands:
 Structure:
1. coil in deep dermis
2. duct in dermis
3. pore at surface
 Characteristics:
1. respond to
elevated temperature / exercise
2. no odor in
secretion
3. function
throughout life
4. not associated
with hair follicles
5.
Location: forehead

neck

back
 Secretion (merocrine) = water plus
1. salts and
2. wastes (urea and uric acid)
b. Apocrine glands:
 Structure:
ducts terminate into hair follicles
 Characteristics:
1. respond to
stress / emotions
2. odor in
secretion
3. begin to

11
 function at puberty & continue through life
4. associated
with hair follicles
5.
Location: armpits

groin
 Secretion (apocrine) = sweat
above plus
1. oil and
2. cellular debris.
 Modified Apocrine Glands
1. Ceruminous
glands = external ear; secretion = earwax;
2. Mammary glands = breasts; milk.

12
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

III. Accessory Organs (continued)

D. Sebaceous Glands: See Fig 6.9, page 179.

1. holocrine gland (simple cuboidal epithelium);

2. associated with every hair follicle;

3. Secretion (holocrine) = sebum (i.e. oil).

a. fat
b. cellular material

4. Sebum is secreted into hair follicle;

5. Function: Sebum keeps skin & hair soft, pliable and

virtually waterproof!

6. Disorders:

a. acne (hypersecretion of sebum; ducts clog

& inflame); See Clinical Application 6.3, page 180.
b. seborrhea (hyperproduction of sebum; oily
scales).

13
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

IV. Skin Functions

A. Protection:
1. from water loss;
2. from injury;
3. from chemicals and microorganisms.

B. Excretion (minimal, most through kidneys!):

1. urea;
2. uric acid.

C. Regulation of body temperature:

Review negative-feedback mechanisms from Ch. 1 and see Figure 6.12,

page 183.

D. Cutaneous Sensation:

1. Light touch detection = Meissner's Corpuscle's;

a. egg-shaped;
b. located in dermal papillae;
c. populate areas in the fingertips, palms, soles,
eyelids, tip of tongue, nipples, clitoris, tip of penis.

2. Pressure detection = Pacinian Corpuscle's;

a. onion-shaped;
b. located in deep dermis and subcutaneous
regions;
c. populate areas in the joints, tendons,
muscles, mammary glands, and external genitalia.

E. Vitamin D Synthesis:
1. UV rays in sunlight activate its synthesis;
2. Vitamin D is required for bone homeostasis.

F. Blood Reservoir:
The dermis houses about 10% of the body's blood vessels.

G. Immunity:

1. Langerhan cells (macrophages);

2. interact with T-helper cells in immune responses.

14
CHAPTER 6: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

V. Life Span Changes

A. Aging skin exhibits:

1. wrinkling
2. sagging
3. age spots or liver spots
a. See Fig 6.16, page 189.

B. Efficient regulation of body temperature declines with age.

1. The number of sweat glands changes.
2. Capillary beds in the skin shrink.

C. Synthesis of vitamin D declines as skin ages, which affects skeletal health.

VI. Homeostatic Imbalances of the Skin

Throughout the text of each chapter, your authors present selected imbalances, disorders,
and diseases of each system. Although I may only discuss some major disorder in class,
these disorders and diseases are very interesting to learn about. I strongly encourage you
to study them.

A. Epidermolysis bullosa. See blue box on page 170.

B. Psoriasis. See blue box on page 171.
C. Contact dermatitis. See blue box on page 172.
D. Pressure ulcers. See blue box on page 172.
E. Rashes. See Table 6.2, page 173.
F. Skin Cancer = carcinoma. See Clinical Application 6.1, pages 174-175.
G. Folliculitis. See blue box on page 177.
H. Hair loss. See Clinical Application, page 178.
I. Acne. See Clinical Application, page 180.
J. Hypothermia. See blue box on page 183.
K. Albinism. See Fig 4.26, page 135, Fig 6.13, page 185, and blue box on page 183.
L. Elevated body temperature. See Clinical Application 6.4, page 184.
M. Jaundice. See blue box on page 185.
N. Burns and Wounds. See pages 185-188.

VII. Innerconnections between the Integumentary System and other organ systems:
See page 190.

15