Related Topics
From Integumentary System
Mammary Glands
Glands in females that produce milk during lactation.
Melanin
Pigment responsible for skin color.
Apocrine Sweat Glands
Sweat glands found in the armpits and genital areas.
Merkel Discs
Receptors that detect light touch and pressure.
Papillary Layer
Upper layer of dermis, containing capillaries and sensory neurons.
Ceruminous Glands
Specialized sweat glands in the ear canal that produce earwax.
Sebaceous Glands
Glands that produce sebum (oil) to lubricate skin and hair.
Lymphatic Vessels
Vessels responsible for transporting lymph throughout the skin.
Skin
The body's largest organ, which protects internal structures and regulates temperature.
Pheomelanin
Type of melanin that produces yellow and red pigmentation.
Carotene
Pigment contributing to the yellow-orange coloration of the skin.
Nails
Hard, keratinized extensions at the tips of fingers and toes.
Dermis
Layer below the epidermis providing structure and flexibility.
Ruffini Endings
Receptors that detect skin stretch and finger position.
Reticular Layer
Deeper dermal layer, housing collagen and elastin fibers.
Hair
Strands of keratinized cells that grow from follicles beneath the skin.
Stratum Spinosum
Layer providing strength and flexibility to skin.
Free Nerve Endings
Pain receptors (nociceptors) and temperature receptors.
Stratum Corneum
Outermost layer of epidermis composed of dead, flattened skin cells.
Nail Bed
Skin under the nail plate, supplying nutrients.
Arrector Pili Muscle
Small muscle attached to hair follicles causing hair to stand up.
Hypodermis
Also called subcutaneous layer, consisting of fat and connective tissue.
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying protein in blood responsible for the red coloration of skin.
Hair Bulb
Base of the hair follicle where cells divide and produce the hair shaft.
Hair Root
Part of hair within the follicle, undergoing growth.
Stratum Granulosum
Reviewed by our medical team
Layer of epidermis where keratinization begins.
Did you know? The skin can heal itself rapidly when damaged, such as when a cut or scrape causes a scab to form.