Ch. 7.3 Integumentary System Key Terms
albino
A person with an absence of color pigments.
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 of skin, also called subcutaneous fascia, made of connective tissue and adipose (fatty) tissue.
papules
Firm, raised areas such as pimples (a papular rash).
ulcer
A deep loss of skin surface that may extend into the dermis, potentially causing bleeding and scar formation.
alopecia
Baldness or a loss of hair on the scalp, often due to genetics.
dermis
Also called corium, or "true skin," the layer below the epidermis containing blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles.
integumentary system
The skin and its appendages (hair, nails, glands).
sebaceous glands
Oil glands that produce sebum, which keeps skin and hair from becoming dry and brittle.
vesicles
Blisters or fluid-filled sacs, such as those seen in chickenpox.
constrict
To get smaller; blood vessels in the skin constrict to retain heat.
dilate
To get larger; blood vessels in the skin dilate to lose excess heat.
jaundice
A yellow discoloration of the skin, indicating bile in the blood (often from liver/gallbladder disease) or destruction of red blood cells.
pustules
Pus-filled sacs such as those seen in acne or pimples.
wheals
Itchy, elevated areas with an irregular shape, such as hives and insect bites.
crusts
Areas of dried pus and blood, commonly called scabs.
epidermis
The outermost layer of skin, made of five smaller layers, with no blood vessels or nerve cells.
macules
Flat spots on the skin, such as freckles (a macular rash).
subcutaneous fascia
The innermost layer of skin, also called hypodermis, made of elastic/fibrous connective tissue and adipose tissue.
cyanosis
A bluish discoloration of the skin caused by insufficient oxygen.
erythema
A reddish color of the skin caused by burns or congestion of blood in the vessels.
melanin
A brownish-black pigment produced in the epidermis by melanocytes, which determines basic skin color.
sudoriferous glands
Sweat glands (coiled tubes) that eliminate perspiration, helping to cool the body.