BIOS 242 Fundamentals of Microbiology Study Guide for Finals Exams Update 2026/2027

General Considerations in Microbial Control (Chapter 11.1)
The methods of microbial control used outside of the body are designed to result in four possible outcomes:
sterilization, disinfection, antisepsis, or decontamination.
Sterilization is the destruction of all microbial life.
Disinfection destroys most microbial life, reducing contamination on inanimate surfaces.
Antisepsis (also called degermation) is the same as disinfection except a living surface is involved.
Decontamination (also called sanitization) is the mechanical removal of most microbes from an animate or inanimate
surface.
Integumentary: Chapter 18
Key Terms
- epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin.
« subcutis: The inner layer of skin that is also called the hypodermis or
subcutaneous layer.
- dermis: The middle layer of the skin.
- cutaneous membrane: The formal name for the skin.
* tis formed by the skin, hair, nails, and sweat and oil glands.
* The cutaneous membrane is the technical term for our skin. The skin’s primary role is to help
protect the rest of the body’s tissues and organs from physical damage such as abrasions,
chemical damage such as detergents, and biological damage from microorganisms.
» 5 layers of skin (superficial to deep)