Ch. 7.3 Integumentary System Key Terms
Albino
A person with an absence of color pigments (melanin) in the skin, hair, and eyes.
Cyst
A closed sac with a distinct membrane that develops abnormally in a body structure, usually filled with a semisolid material.
Hypodermis
The innermost layer (beneath the dermis); it is made of elastic and fibrous connective tissue and adipose (fatty) tissue. (Also called subcutaneous fascia).
Papules
(Papular rash) firm, raised areas such as pimples and the eruptions seen in some stages of chickenpox and syphilis.
Ulcer
A deep loss of skin surface that may extend into the dermis.
Alopecia
Baldness, a lack of hair where hair normally grows
Dermis
Also called corium or "true skin," this layer has a framework of elastic connective tissue and contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles.
Integumentary System
The body system, composed of the skin and its accessory organs (hair, nails, glands) that performs functions like protection, temperature regulation, and secretion.
Pustules
Pus-filled sacs such as those seen in acne or pimples.
Vesicles
Blisters, or fluid-filled sacs, such as those seen in chickenpox.
Constrict
The action of blood vessels to get smaller when the body needs to retain or conserve heat.
Dilate
To widen or get larger (inferred, as the opposite of constrict, allowing blood vessels to open up to release heat).
Jaundice
A yellow discoloration of the skin that can indicate bile in the blood as a result of liver or gallbladder disease.
Sebaceous Glands
Glands in the skin that secrete sebum (oil), which keeps the skin and hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Wheals
Itchy, elevated areas with an irregular shape; hives and insect bites are examples.
Crusts
Areas of dried pus and blood, commonly called scabs. (Also described as a collection of dried sebum and cellular debris).
Epidermis
The outermost layer of the skin. This layer is actually made of five smaller layer,s but no blood vessels or nerve cells.
Macules
(Macular rash) flat spots on the skin, such as freckles.
Subcutaneous
Located or lying beneath the skin; referring to the area where fatty tissue (hypodermis) is found.
Cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood.
Erythema
A reddish color of the skin that can be caused by either burns or a congestion of blood in the vessels.
Melanin
A brownish-black pigment produced in the epidermis by specialized cells called melanocytes.
Sudoriferous Glands
Glands in the skin that secrete sweat (perspiration).