Integumentary System (Skin)

What this unit covers

The resources follow the skin from the surface down. The mind map Epidermis describes squamous keratinized epithelium with five layers of keratin-producing cells, plus melanocytes, Langerhans cells and Merkel's cells. Separate maps look at Stratum basale, Stratum Spinosum and Cells contained in epidermis. The Dermis map covers the basal lamina and the connective tissue that supports the epidermis and binds it to subcutaneous tissue.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Integumentary System or the one on the functions of the skin, which sets out protection, temperature regulation, vitamin D production and the three simple layers. Then move to Epidermis and Dermis for the detail.

1. Read a broad overview map.
2. Work through the layer-by-layer maps.
3. Look at Epidermal derivatives and HAIR FOLLICLE.
4. Check the notes on keratinisation.

Using quizzes and maps together

Once you have read a map, try the quiz Skin or Abnormal Skin/ Skin Regeneration. The first has fill-in-the-blank questions on cell types such as melanocytes and Merkel cells. The second asks how the stratum corneum is held together and what is found only in thick skin. Go back to the map for any answer you missed.

The flashcard deck Integumentary system histology asks you to identify skin types from slides. That makes it a good partner for the quizzes, because it trains you to recognise what you have read about.

Going deeper

The mind map Skin goes into the cornified layer, the cornified envelope and filaggrin, including how it is processed and degraded. It suits students who want more than the basic layers.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Digestive, Respiratory and Integumentary Systems in Histology and embryology. Open a resource, test yourself, and add your own maps or flashcards for the parts you find hardest.