Integumentary

Question 1

What is the skins function

Answer 1

• Largest organ 15-20% of body weight
  -Function = protection (keeps insides in and outside things out)

Question 2

Primary vs secondary lesions (skin)

Answer 2

• Primary lesions: happen on the skin
• Secondary lesions: could be the result of another issue (ie. Cancer, liver dysfunction)
• Inspection and history!

Question 3

Parts of the epidermis and their functions?

Answer 3

1. Stratum corneum: functions in protection and barrier
2. Keratinocytes: function in synthesis of keratin (skin protein)
3. Langerhan cells: function in antigen presentation/immune response
4. Basal cells: function in epidermal reproduction

Question 4

What is the dermis layer of the skin made of and it’s function

Answer 4

Collagen, reticulum, elastin: function in skin proteins, skin texture

Question 5

Dermis cells and their function

Answer 5

1. Fibroblasts: function in collagen synthesis for skin strength and wound healing
2. Macrophages: function in phagocytosis, inflammation and repair
3. Mast cells: function in providing histamine for vasodilation and chemotactic factors for inflammatory response
4. Lymphatic glands: removal of microbes and excess interstitial fluids; provide lymphatic drainage
5. Blood vessels: provide metabolic skin requirements thermoregulation
6. Nerve fibers: perception of heat, cold, pain and itching

Question 6

Appendages of the epidermal layer and their functions

Answer 6

1. Excrine unit: function in thermoregulation by perspiration
2. Apocrine unit: function in production of apocrine sweat
3. Hair follicles: function in production of hair, cavity encoding hair
4. Nails: function in protection, mechanical (fine motor) assistance
5. Sebaceous glands: function in producing sebum (oil) to lubricate skin)

Question 7

Subcutaneous tissue (what is it?)

Answer 7

• Adipose: function in energy storage and balance, trauma absorption
• Lose this during aging

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of skin disease

Answer 8

• pruritus
• Xerosis
• urticaria
• rash
• blisters
• xeroderma
• edema
• discoloration

Question 9

Pruritus

Answer 9

• itching *primary sign of integumentary disease

Question 10

Xerosis

Answer 10

rough dry skin

Question 11

Urticara

Answer 11

• hives
• can be caused by stress and anxiety
• wheals

Question 12

rash

Answer 12

• Erythema: redness
• Macular lesions: hives, red, raised
• Papular: bubble

Question 13

blisters

Answer 13

• Vesicle or bulla (fluid accumulation)

Question 14

Xeroderma

Answer 14

• ichthyosis (excessive dryness) flaky

Question 15

Normal aging with the skin

Answer 15

Hormone changes
Environmental factors
Lifestyle
Normal aging:
- Structure-epidermis, dermis, appendages
- Functional changes in each layer
- Hair: texture goes from finer → stiffer
- Hair Location: pits, genitals
- hair Color: lighter → darker
- Turgor: pinch test – should go back immediately
- Vasculatory: tend to have less peripheral circulation (cold

Question 16

Skin care strategies to reduce itching

Answer 16

Soaps, oatmeal, aveeno, menthol, camphor, aloe, capsaicin, antihistamines (less sulfates)

Question 17

skin strategies to reduce inflammation

Answer 17

Topical steroids, tar preparations: hit skin in target manner