10. INTEGUMENTARY AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS Flashcards
The structure and function of the integumentary and lymphatic systems. The clinical presentations, investigation procedures and some orthodox treatments of skin and lymphatic system pathologies.
Name the three main layers of the skin
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Subcutaneous layer (protective adipose tissue)
True or false:
The epidermis contains ample blood vessels and nerve endings
False
What kind of cells make up the epidermis and in which proportions?
90% Kerinatocytes: tough fibrous protein that protects from heat, microbes and chemicals
8% Melanocytes: pigment that contributes to skin colour and absorbs UV light. Two types: eumelanin = brown/black; pheomelanin = reddish/yellow
2% Langerhans cells: immune cells (skin’s surveillance)
What are the two types of melanin in the skin and how are they different?
Eumelanin = brown / black
Pheomelanin = reddish / yellow
Name three accessory structures in the dermis
Sweat glands
Hairs
Sebaceous glands
Nerve endings
In relation to the epidermis, what do the following definitions refer to?
a. A single row of dividing to form new keratinocytes
b. 3-5 layers of cells undergoing apoptosis
c. 25-30 layers of flattened dead keratinocytes
a. Stratum basale
b. Stratum granulosum
c. Stratum corneum
Describe the function of the following components of the dermis:
a. Collagen fibres
b. Elastic fibres
a. Tencile strength
b. Stretch and recoil
Which cells are responsible for the production of collagen and elastic fibres?
Fibroblasts
Which of the following components are located within the dermis?
a. Lymph vessels
b. Sweat glands
c. Sensory nerve endings
d. Stratum corneum
e. Hairs
f. Sebaceous glands
g. Arterioles and veins
h. Fibroblasts and immune cells
i. Freckles
a. Lymph vessels
b. Sweat glands
c. Sensory nerve endings
e. Hairs
f. Sebaceous glands
g. Arterioles and veins
What is the function of Meissner’s corpuscle?
Detection of light pressure
Name two body locations that contain numerous sweat glands
Palms, groin, axillae, soles of feet
Name four functions of sebaceous glands
It secretes sebum that
1. Forms a protective barrier
2. Keeps hair and skin soft
3. Waterproofing
4. Anti-microbial
List four functions of the skin
- Protection
- Thermoregulation
- Vitamin D production
- Sensation
What is the range that is considered as normal body temperature?
36.5 - 37.5 degrees
Name three body locations containing sebaceous glands.
Face, lips, scalp, nipples, glans penis
Explain specifically how sebum can act as an anti-microbial
The fatty acids in sebum inhibit bacterial growth
Describe the function of the arrector pili muscle
The arrector pili connects the hair follicle to the dermis.
When the hair is erect, it traps a layer of air next to the skin (part of thermoregulation)
Explain how age can affect sebaceous gland activity
Activity increases in puberty, decreases with age
Describe THREE ways in which the skin provides protection
- Physical barrier — closely-packed keratinised cells and melanin.
- Sebum — contains fatty acids which inhibit microbial growth.
- Sweat — contains lysozymes, which are enzymes that break down bacteria.
- Desquamation — shedding of skin cells helps remove microbes.
- Nerve sensors — induce protective reflexes.
Name TWO temperature control centres
Temperature control centres are the
hypothalamus and medulla oblongata
(brain stem)
Name the nervous system that controls both sweat gland and blood vessels in thermoregulation
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Describe the main difference between ‘hypothermia’ and ‘hyperthermia’
Hypothermia (<35°C) - When core temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and body functions.
Hyperthermia (>38.5°C ) - When core temperature elevates above 38.5°C.
Which body organ is responsible for producing active vitamin D?
The kidneys
Name TWO minerals that vitamin D promotes uptake from gastrointestinal tract.
Calcium and phosphorus
Name the organ where vitamin D is stored in the body.
The liver
With regards to skin absorption, list THREE examples for:
a. Lipid soluble molecules
b. Toxins
a. Vit A, D, E, K; Some medications; Essential oils; O2 and CO2
b. Acetone,carbon, tetrachloride, lead and mercury, arsenic, poison oak and ivy
With regards to skin excretion, name FOUR products excreted via the skin
• Salt(sodiumchloride).
• Water.
• Urea.
• Ammonia.
Describe how superficial wounds heal
• Basal cells move across the gap until contact inhibition (he cessation of cell division in cells that touch each other) occurs.
• Epidermal growth factor causes multiplication of the basal cells until space is filled.
Describe specifically how deep wounds heal (HINT – think of three phases)
Inflammatory phase:
• Migration of leukocytes to clean up any microbes and foreign tissue.
• Blood clot forms and becomes a scab. Epithelial cells migrate to repair the basement membrane.
Proliferative phase:
• Granulation tissue is formed with the laying of collagen and blood vessels.
• Extensive growth and repair of epithelial cells.
Remodelling phase:
• Can take three weeks to six months. • Scab sloughs off and scar tissue
remains (fibrosis).
Explain the difference between a ‘hypertrophic scar’ and a ‘keloid scar’
- Hypertrophic scar: Stays within the boundary of the wound.
- Keloid scar: Takes up a larger space than the wound (normally raised).
With regards to skin lesions, name the following:
a. A small firm elevated lesion
b. Thick dry rough plaques of thickened skin
c. Small elevated erythematous lesion containing purulent exudate
d. Small flat circumcised lesion of a different colour to normal skin
a. Papule
b. Lichenification
c. Pustule
d. Macule
Describe the difference between an ‘open comedone’ and a ‘closed comedone’
• Open comedone: ‘Blackhead’ (acne vulgaris) — if oil is open to air, it will oxidise > turns dark
• Closed comedone: ‘Whitehead’ If skin has grown over oily material, it remains white.
Using pathophysiology, describe the difference between irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis
1) Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the non-specific inflammatory reaction to a substance contacting the skin. Abrasive chemicals can corrode the epidermis, causing cutaneous ulceration, hands being particularly vulnerable due to frequent occupational exposure to soap (that can abrade the lipids in skin).
- Allergen Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is a Type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction where sensitisation occurs on first exposure (to various chemicals, rubber, plants, metals). Pruritic, erythematous rash develops at the site on subsequent exposures. Multiple allergens can cause ACD and cross- sensitisation among agents is common.
Describe ONE sign / symptom more suggestive of allergic contact dermatitis.
Pruritic, erythematous rash develops at the site on subsequent exposures. Pruritis is significant, but slower onset of symptoms.
Explain how continued exposure to soap can lead to irritant contact dermatitis?
Frequent occupational exposure to soap can abrade the lipids in skin
Name TWO allergens involved in allergic contact dermatitis.
Various chemicals, rubber (latex), plants, metals.