Chapter 7: Integument
Keywords
Please familiarize yourself with these keywords before you start reading the chapter:
- Apocrine
- Apocrine secretion involves exocytosis of membrane-bound secretory vesicles. This is the major secretion form of epitrichial glands (often referred to as just “apocrine glands”) and eccrine glands.
- Desmosomes
- Cell-to-cell adhesion complexes comprised of multiple proteins that tightly adhere cells (keratinocytes) of the epidermis. Desmosomes of the stratum spinosum are readily apparent on histology.
- Holocrine
- Holocrine secretion involves rupture of the secretory cell, thereby releasing the cytoplasmic contents. This is the major secretion form of sebaceous glands.
- Keratin
- A structural protein produced by keratinocytes that contributes significantly to the structural integrity of the epidermis.
- Keratinocytes
- A general term referring to epithelial cells of the epidermis, including those of the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum.
- Melanocytes
- Cells derived from the neural crest that produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes reside within the basal layers of the epidermis, producing and then transferring melanin to keratinocytes.
- Sebocytes
- Secretory epithelial cells that contribute to the production of sebum, a lipid-rich fluid that coats hair and the epidermis. Clusters of sebocytes comprise sebaceous glands.
