Ch 2 Dermatology Vocab Flashcards
integumentary system
the structures of the integumentary system consist of the skin (and its structures and glands), the nails, and the subcutaneous tissue. this body system covers most of the surface of the body and is the body’s first line of defense against injury and infection. functions of the integumentary system include protection, repair, sensation, vitamin D synthesis, thermoregulation, and homeostasis
adipose tissue
fatty tissue that is part of the subcutaneous tissue. it contains lipocytes that store fat as an energy reserve
collagen
firm, white protein fibers in the dermis
cutaneous
pertaining to the skin
cuticle
layer of dead cells that lie along the proximal edge of the nail. the cuticle keeps microorganisms from entering the deeper tissues
dermis
layer of skin beneath the epidermis. it contains collagen and elastin fibers. it also contains arteries, veins, and nerves, as well as sebaceous glands, sudoriferous glands, and hair follicles
diaphoresis
the process of sweating. the sweat itself is perspiration. sweat is secreted by the sudoriferous glands. bacteria on the skin that digest sweat produce its characteristic odor.
elastin
yellow elastic fibers in the dermis
epidermis
thin, outermost layer of the skin. the most superficial part or squamous layer of the epidermis consists of dead cells filled with keratin. the deepest part or basal layer contains constantly dividing cells that are moving toward the surface
epithelium
type of tissue that includes the epidermis, as well as mucous membranes that line internal cavities that connect to the outside of the body. also know as epithelial tissue
exfoliation
normal process of the constant shedding of dead cells from the most superficial part of the epidermis
exocrine gland
type of gland that secretes substances through a duct. the sebaceous (oil) glands and sudoriferous (sweat) glands in the dermis are both exocrine glands
follicle
structure in the dermis in which each hair forms
hair
structure that grows as a shaft from a follicle in the dermis. hair cells are filled with keratin.
keratin
hard, fibrous protein in the outermost cells of the epidermis. keratin is also in the hair and nails
lipocyte
cell in the adipose tissue of the subcutaneous tissue; it stores fat as an energy reserve.
lunula
whitish half-moon shape that is the visible part of the nail root
melanin
dark brown or black pigment that gives color to the skin and hair
melanocyte
pigment cell in the epidermis. melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the anterior pituitary gland in the brain causes melanocytes to produce melanin.
nail bed
layer of living tissue beneath the nail plate. it contains nerves and blood vessels. aka the quick
nail plate
hard, translucent protective covering over the distal end of each finger and toe. it is composed of dead cells that contain keratin. aka the nail
nail root
located beneath the skin of the finger or toe. it produces cells that form the lunula and nail plate.
piloerection
process in which body hairs become erect when the skin is cold
sebaceous gland
exocrine gland in the dermis that secretes sebum (oil) through a duct. sebum coats the hair and moisturizes the skin. aka oil gland
skin
a major part of the integumentary system. the skin consists of two layers - the epidermis and the dermis
subcutaneous tissue
tissue layer beneath the dermis. it is composed of connective tissue and adipose tissue
sudoriferous gland
exocrine gland in the dermis. it secretes sweat through a duct that ends at a pore on the surface of the skin. aka sweat gland
dermatome
area of the skin that sends sensory information through a nerve to the spinal cord
healthcare-associated infection (HAI)
infection that occurs in hospitals and other healthcare facilities when caregivers do not wash their hands. previously known as a nosocomial infection
homeostasis
balance, equilibrium, and stability of all body systems and functions
normal skin flora
bacteria that live on the skin and inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
protection
the integumentary system is the body’s first line of defense and protection against injury and infection
sensation
sensory receptors in the dermis respond to light touch, pressure, vibration, pain, or temperature. the nervous system then relays and interprets skin sensations
synthesis
process of putting together sunlight and the skin to create vitamin D
thermoregulation
actions of the integumentary system to help control body temperature: the subcutaneous layer conserves body heat, the skin creates heat with goosebumps and piloerection, and the sudoriferous glands secrete sweat to evaporate and cool the body
dermatitis
infection or inflammation of the skin. this can be due to injury to the skin itself or to a disease within the body that manifests itself on the skin.
edema
excessive amounts of fluid move from the blood into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue and cause swelling.
local areas of edema on the skin can be caused by inflammation, an allergic reaction, or an infection. large areas of edema on the skin are associated with diseases of the cardiovascular or urinary systems.
hemorrhage
an injury to the blood vessels releases blood into the skin; this process is known as extravasation
petechiae
pinpoint areas of blood caused by small ruptured blood vessels
contusion
a hemorrhage of a larger amount of blood into the skin.
ecchymosis
a hemorrhage that is 3 cm in diameter or larger
hematoma
an elevated, localized collection of blood under the skin
lesion
any visible damage or variation from normal skin, whether from disease or injury
cyst
elevated circular mound
skin color or erythema
semisolid or partly fluid filled
fissure
small, cracklike crevice
erythema
none; some fluid exudate
dry, chapped skin (example)
macule
flat circle
pigmented brown or black
ex. freckle or age spot
papule
elevated
skin color or erythema
solid
ex. acne pimple
pustule
elevated
white top
puss filled
ex. acne whitehead
scale
flat to slightly elevated, thin flake
white
ex. dandruff or psoriasis
vesicle
elevated with pointed top
erythema with a transparent top
clear fluid filled
ex. herpes, chickenpox, shingles
wheal
elevated with broad, flat top
erythema with a pale top
clear fluid filled
ex. insect bites, urticaria
neoplasm
a new growth that occurs on the skin.
can be benign or malignant
pruritus
caused by the release of histamine as part of an allergic reaction of the skin
aka itching
rash
any type of skin lesion that is pink or red, flat or raised, itchy or not itchy. certain diseases have characteristic rashes
xeroderma
excessive dryness of the skin.
caused by aging, cold weather with low humidity, vitamin A deficiency, or dehydrations
albinism
genetic mutation that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and iris of the eye. there is a normal number of melanocytes, but they produce insufficient or no melanin
cyanosis
bluish-purple discoloration of the skin and nails due to decreased level of oxygen in the blood.
caused by cardiac or respiratory disease. cyanotic. in healthy persons, areas of the skin exposed to the cold can temporarily exhibit cyanosis
erythema
reddish discoloration of the skin.
can be confined to a local area of infection or inflammation, or it can affect large areas of the skin, as in sunburn. area is said to be erythematous
jaundice
yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as the whites of the eyes. associated with liver disease.
necrosis
gray to black discoloration of the skin in areas where the tissue has died. can develop in a burn, pressure injury, wound, or any tissue with poor blood supply.
gangrene
necrosis with subsequent bacterial invasion and infection. the area is said to be gangrenous
vitiligo
autoimmune disorder in which melanocytes are slowly destroyed. there are white patches of depigmentation interspersed with areas of normally pigmented skin
abrasion
a sliding or scraping injury that mechanically removes the epidermis. aka brush burn
blister
fluid-filled sac with a thin, transparent covering of epidermal cells.
occurs when a repetitive rubbing injury separates the epidermis from the dermis, releasing tissue fluid and creating a fluid-filled sac. often form on the hell from walking in poorly fitting shoes or on the hand from constant rubbing against an object such as a tool
burns
heat, electrical current, chemicals, and radiation or x-rays can create a burn of the epidermis or dermis
superficial burn
involves only the epidermis. there is erythema, pain, and swelling, but not blisters. aka first degree burn
partial-thickness burn
involves the epidermis and the upper part of the dermis.
there is erythema, pain, and swelling, but also a blister or a large bulls that forms as the epidermis detaches from the dermis and the space between fills with tissue fluid.
aka second-degree burn