Integumentary System Anatomy Flashcards

Which layer of the epidermis contains cells that produce melanin?

Answer: Stratum basale

Melanocytes in the stratum basale (deepest epidermal layer) synthesize melanin, which gives skin its color.

The protein that makes the outermost skin layer waterproof and resistant to abrasion is:

Answer: Keratin

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that waterproofs and toughens the stratum corneum.

Which skin appendage is primarily responsible for thermoregulation through evaporative cooling?

Answer: Eccrine sweat glands

Eccrine sweat glands secrete watery sweat over most of the body surface, cooling it through evaporation.

The deepest layer of the dermis that connects it to underlying structures is the:

Answer: Reticular layer

The reticular layer is the deeper, thicker layer of the dermis composed of dense irregular connective tissue.

Arrector pili muscles attach to which skin structure?

Answer: Hair follicles

Arrector pili are small smooth muscles attached to hair follicles; their contraction causes hair to stand upright (goosebumps).

Which cells in the epidermis are responsible for immune surveillance and detecting antigens?

Answer: Langerhans cells

Langerhans cells are dendritic immune cells in the epidermis that capture antigens and present them to T lymphocytes.

The hypodermis (subcutaneous layer) is primarily composed of which tissue type?

Answer: Adipose tissue

The hypodermis consists mainly of adipose (fat) tissue, which insulates the body and cushions deeper structures.