Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Chapter Study Guide

Chapter 5 - The Integumentary System

After completing this chapter, you should have mastered the objectives listed below.

1. Name the two regions that comprise the skin.  Differentiate between the integumentary system and skin.  What organs comprise the integumentary system, what tissues?

Tell where subcutaneous tissue is found, what it is called and its functions. List the two main tissue types found there.

2. Name the layers of the epidermis and describe the characteristics of each.

• Compare the functions of keratinocytes, Merkel cells and melanocytes.
• Discuss the location and function of Langerhans' cells.  Tell the other name for these cells.
• Describe stratum lucidum and tell where, on your body, it would most likely be found and why.
• Name the tissue type that makes up the epidermis.

3. Describe the location of the dermis in relation to the epidermis and the hypodermis.

• Describe how the dense irregular connective tissue of the dermis contributes to the function of the dermis.
• Briefly describe the origins of your fingerprints and footprints. (Complementarity of structure and function.)
• Briefly describe and tell the causes of striae, blisters, lines of cleavage (tension lines) and flexure lines.

4. Name the factors that determine skin color and describe the function of melanin. Include carotene and hemoglobin in your discussion.  Tell what causes cyanosis and bruises.

5. Describe the distribution and functions of the following epidermal derivatives --sebaceous glands, sweat glands, nails, and hair.

Tell the location of the hair follicle and the kind of tissue from which it is derived.  Identify and tell the function of the root hair plexus, arrector pili muscles, and hair matrix.

• Differentiate between vellus hair and terminal hair.
• Differentiate between apocrine and eccrine glands as to location and function.Tell where cerumen glands are found and their function.

6. Study Figure 5.1.  Recognize and define all terms.

7. List several important functions of the integumentary system and explain how these functions are accomplished. (Explain how structure supports function.)

8. Differentiate between first-, second-, and third-degree burns.
Explain the importance of the "rule of nines" and how it is used.  Be prepared to apply the rule of nines.

9. Summarize the characteristics of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Tell which one of the three involves the most hopeful diagnosis.  Tell which involves the least hopeful diagnosis.  Most common, least common?

10. Review the chapter. List and explain all examples of homeostatic imbalance associated with the integumentary system.

11. Do the Multiple Choice/Matching and Short Answer Essay Questions at the end of the chapter.

12. Visit the Anatomy and Physiology Place web site and review relevant material.

I will rely on lectures, labs and any or all of the above material when testing on this chapter.

*******Optional - check the video list for relevant videos on reserve at the GHC Library.

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