Chapter 5 Study Guide
1. List the components of the integumentary system.
Skin, Hair, Nails, Sweat Glands, Sebaceous oil glands and Nerves.
2. What 2 distinct regions make up the skin? What sits below those 2 regions? List and describe the structures
found in each region (refer to the structure of the skin figure (5.1) in textbook).
Epidermis and Dermis. The hypodermis. The epidermis consists mostly of keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium and is avascular. The dermis consists mostly of fibrous connective tissue and is vascular.
3. List and describe the 4 cell types that are found in the epidermis.
Keratinocytes- Major cells of epidermis. Produce fibrous keratin (protein that gives skin its protective
properties). Tightly connected by desmosomes
Melanocytes - Spider-shaped cells located in deepest epidermis. Produce pigment melanin. Packaged into
melanosomes that are transferred to keratinocytes. Protect the nuclei from UV damage
Dendritic (Langerhans) cells - Star-shaped macrophages. Patrol deep epidermis. Key activators of the immune
system.
Tactile (Merkel) cells. Sensory receptors that sense touch.
4. List and describe in detail the 5 layers that make up skin. Which layer is only found in thick skin?
Stratum basale: Deepest of all epidermal layers. Firmly attached to the dermis. Consists of a single row of stem
cells.
Stratum spinosum: Prickly layer. Several cell layers thick.
Stratum granulosum: Four to six cells thick, but cells are flattened, so layer is thin
Stratum lucidum: Found only in thick skin ( ex. Palms and soles of feet). Provides an extra layer of protection
where damage is more common. Consists of thin, translucent band of two to three rows of clear, flat, dead
keratinocytes.
Stratum corneum: The horny layer. 20–30 rows of flat, anucleated, keratinized dead cells. Accounts for three-
quarters of epidermal thickness
Thick skin contains five layers (strata) and is found in high-abrasion areas (hands, feet)
The stratum lucidum is only found in the thick skin.
5. List and describe in detail the two layers make up the dermis.
The papillary layer: Superficial layer of areolar connective tissue consisting of loose, interlacing collagen and
elastic fibers and blood vessels
The reticular layer: Consists of coarse, dense irregular fibrous connective tissue
6. Define each of the following:
a. Dermal Papillae: superficial region of dermis that sends fingerlike projections up into epidermis
b. Friction ridges: the raised, corrugated structures on the skin of the palms, fingers, soles and toes that
enhance grip and tactile sensitivity.
c. Cleavage lines: Imaginary lines on the skin that indicate the direction of the underlying collagen fibers.
1. List the components of the integumentary system.
Skin, Hair, Nails, Sweat Glands, Sebaceous oil glands and Nerves.
2. What 2 distinct regions make up the skin? What sits below those 2 regions? List and describe the structures
found in each region (refer to the structure of the skin figure (5.1) in textbook).
Epidermis and Dermis. The hypodermis. The epidermis consists mostly of keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium and is avascular. The dermis consists mostly of fibrous connective tissue and is vascular.
3. List and describe the 4 cell types that are found in the epidermis.
Keratinocytes- Major cells of epidermis. Produce fibrous keratin (protein that gives skin its protective
properties). Tightly connected by desmosomes
Melanocytes - Spider-shaped cells located in deepest epidermis. Produce pigment melanin. Packaged into
melanosomes that are transferred to keratinocytes. Protect the nuclei from UV damage
Dendritic (Langerhans) cells - Star-shaped macrophages. Patrol deep epidermis. Key activators of the immune
system.
Tactile (Merkel) cells. Sensory receptors that sense touch.
4. List and describe in detail the 5 layers that make up skin. Which layer is only found in thick skin?
Stratum basale: Deepest of all epidermal layers. Firmly attached to the dermis. Consists of a single row of stem
cells.
Stratum spinosum: Prickly layer. Several cell layers thick.
Stratum granulosum: Four to six cells thick, but cells are flattened, so layer is thin
Stratum lucidum: Found only in thick skin ( ex. Palms and soles of feet). Provides an extra layer of protection
where damage is more common. Consists of thin, translucent band of two to three rows of clear, flat, dead
keratinocytes.
Stratum corneum: The horny layer. 20–30 rows of flat, anucleated, keratinized dead cells. Accounts for three-
quarters of epidermal thickness
Thick skin contains five layers (strata) and is found in high-abrasion areas (hands, feet)
The stratum lucidum is only found in the thick skin.
5. List and describe in detail the two layers make up the dermis.
The papillary layer: Superficial layer of areolar connective tissue consisting of loose, interlacing collagen and
elastic fibers and blood vessels
The reticular layer: Consists of coarse, dense irregular fibrous connective tissue
6. Define each of the following:
a. Dermal Papillae: superficial region of dermis that sends fingerlike projections up into epidermis
b. Friction ridges: the raised, corrugated structures on the skin of the palms, fingers, soles and toes that
enhance grip and tactile sensitivity.
c. Cleavage lines: Imaginary lines on the skin that indicate the direction of the underlying collagen fibers.
