General characteristics of the Integumentary System:
produce substances which stimulate the development of white blood cells
keratinocytes
active form
calcitrol
aid in the development of bone and teeth
vitamin D
Layers of skin:
- not a true layer of skin
subcutaneous layer
*hypodermis
made up of:
Subcutaneous Layer
What is the function of the subcutaneous layer?
Insulates
-Keritonized
-Lack blood vessels
Basement membrane
Stratified Squamous Epithelium
where is simple squamous the thickest?
on the soles and palms (.8-1.4 mm thick)
produce melanin
melanocytes (simple squamous epithelium)
Layers of the epidermis:
What are the two regions of the dermis:
- Reticular
What is the dermis made up of?
Mostly connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers
- areolar tissue with elastic fibers
Papillary Region
- has dense irregular connective tissue
Reticular Region
Pigment released so it only covers superficial portion of keritanocytes
melanocytes
General characteristics of dermis:
Structural basis of skin color:
melanin, carotene, hemoglobin
What leads to an increase in melanin production?
UV light stimulates enzymatic activity within the melanosome, leading to an increase in melanin production
melanin-forming organelle in malanocytes
melanosome
Yellow-orange pigment and a precursor to Vitamin A
Carotene
When oxygenated it has a bright red color
Hemoglobin
Lack of (functional) melanocytes
Albinism