Layers of the Skin
This outermost layer of the epidermis consists of dead, keratinized cells.
What is the stratum corneum?
These exocrine glands secrete an oily mixture called sebum into hair follicles.
What are sebaceous glands?
The integumentary system acts as a barrier preventing excessive loss of this vital internal resource.
What is water/hydration?
This classification of burn affects only the epidermis, resulting in localized redness and mild pain.
What is a first-degree burn?
This pigment protects underlying tissue from UV radiation damage.
What is melanin?
Cell division and melanocyte activity occur primarily in this deepest layer of the epidermis.
What is the stratum basale?
Widely distributed across the body, these sweat glands secrete water and salts primarily for cooling.
What are eccrine glands?
This essential nutrient is synthesized in epidermal cells when they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
What is Vitamin D?
Accounting for the majority of skin cancer cases, this slow-growing malignancy originates in the stratum basale.
What is basal cell carcinoma?
This gene controls the production of melanin.
What is MC1R?
This layer of the cutaneous membrane provides mechanical strength and contains collagen and elastin fibers.
What is the dermis?
This tough, fibrous protein forms the primary structural component of hair and nails.
What is keratin?
When body temperature rises, dermal blood vessels undergo this process to release heat.
What is vasodilation?
This severe burn destroys both the epidermis and dermis entirely, often requiring skin grafts.
What is a third-degree burn?
This pigment is responsible for the brownish-black color of hair and skin.
What is eumelanin?
This clear epidermal layer is found exclusively in thick skin, such as the palms and soles
What is the stratum lucidum?
This tiny bundle of smooth muscle connects to hair follicles and contracts to cause goosebumps.
What is the arrector pili muscle?
This response to injury or stress causes blood vessels to dilate, allowing fluids to reach the damaged area.
What is inflammation?
Arising from pigment cells, this is the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer.
What is malignant melanoma?
This pigment is responsible for the reddish to blonde color of hair and skin.
What is pheomelanin?
The dermis is structurally divided into these two distinct sub-layers.
What are the papillary and reticular layers?
These specialized glands become active during puberty and are concentrated in axillary and genital regions.
What are apocrine glands?
Sometimes called corpuscles, these are located deep in the dermis and are specialized for detecting deep pressure.
What are nerve cells or nerve fibers?
The ABCD mnemonic is used clinically to screen for warning signs of this malignancy.
What is skin cancer/melanoma?
This inherited condition results in little to no production of melanin.
What is albinism?