Ch. 7.3 Integumentary System Key Terms
alopecia
Baldness or a loss of hair on the scalp.
cyst
A closed sac with a distinct membrane that develops abnormally in a body structure, usually filled with a semisolid material.
hypodermis
Another name for the subcutaneous fascia.
papules
(Also called 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; may cause periodic bleeding and the formation of scars.
albino
An individual with a pinkish tint to the skin and pale yellow or white hair. The person's eyes also lack pigment and are red and very sensitive to light.
dermis
The true skin; the layer directly beneath the epidermis. It has a framework of elastic connective tissue and contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, involuntary muscle, sweat and oil glands, and hair follicles.
12. integumentary system
The body system that includes the skin, and two other parts, the hair and nails. It covers more than 3,000 square inches of surface area and accounts for about 15 percent of total body weight.
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
To get smaller (referring to blood vessels).
dilate
To get larger (referring to blood vessels).
jaundice
A yellow discoloration of the skin that can indicate bile in the blood as a result of liver or gallbladder disease.
18. sebaceous glands
Oil glands that usually open onto a hair follicle; they produce 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.
epidermis
The outermost layer of skin. This layer is actually made of five smaller layers but no blood vessels or nerve cells.
macules
(Also called macular rash) Flat spots on the skin, such as freckles.
subcutaneous
Relating to the subcutaneous fascia or hypodermis.
hypodermis
Another name for the subcutaneous fascia.
cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin caused by insufficient oxygen.
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, which helps determine skin color and protects against UV radiation.
sudoriferous glands
Sweat glands that coil tubes that extend through the dermis and open on the surface of the skin at pores; they excrete sweat (perspiration), which helps cool the body.
integumentary system
The body system that includes the skin, and two other parts, the hair and nails. It covers more than 3,000 square inches of surface area and accounts for about 15 percent of total body weight.