Dermatology (Pt. 1) Flashcards
Which organ is the largest in the body?
The skin, or integument, is the largest organ in the body, weighing an average of 20 pounds. It serves sexeral important functions:
- Protection
- Temperature Regulation
- Sensation
- Waste Disposal
How does the skin provide protection?
Skin is a continuous two-way barrier that prevents pathogens such as bacteria from invading the body and vital substances such as water from leaking out of the body.
How does the skin provide a means for temperature regulation?
If the body is too hot, evaporation of sweat from sweat glands and dialation of blood vessels in skin helps to cool the body
If it needs to conserve heat, blood vessels constrict, additionally, the innermost layer of skin, the fatty subcutaneous layer, serves as insulaiton.
How does the skin provide a means for experiencing sensations?
Skin contains many different sensory receptors that send information to the brain regarding the senses of touch, pressure, temparature, and pain.
How does the skin aid in waste disposal?
A small amount of waste products, such as excess salt, is excreted from the body sweat.
Dermatology
The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the skin and its accessory structures, hair and nails:
Treats:
- Skin Tumors, Infections, Inflammation
- Cosmetics Disorders: some due to aging
Plastic Surgery
Another branch of medicine that treats conditions involving the integumentary system as well as conditions of the musculoskeletal system, head and face, hands, breasts, and external genitalia.
aden/o
gland
adip/o
fat
cutane/o
skin
cyan/o
blue
dermat/o
skin
derm/o
skin
hidr/o
sweat
kerat/o
keratin, hard, hornlike
