Integumentary Flashcards
What is the skins function
- Largest organ 15-20% of body weight
-Function = protection (keeps insides in and outside things out)
Primary vs secondary lesions (skin)
- Primary lesions: happen on the skin
- Secondary lesions: could be the result of another issue (ie. Cancer, liver dysfunction)
- Inspection and history!
Parts of the epidermis and their functions?
- Stratum corneum: functions in protection and barrier
- Keratinocytes: function in synthesis of keratin (skin protein)
- Langerhan cells: function in antigen presentation/immune response
- Basal cells: function in epidermal reproduction
What is the dermis layer of the skin made of and it’s function
Collagen, reticulum, elastin: function in skin proteins, skin texture
Dermis cells and their function
- Fibroblasts: function in collagen synthesis for skin strength and wound healing
- Macrophages: function in phagocytosis, inflammation and repair
- Mast cells: function in providing histamine for vasodilation and chemotactic factors for inflammatory response
- Lymphatic glands: removal of microbes and excess interstitial fluids; provide lymphatic drainage
- Blood vessels: provide metabolic skin requirements thermoregulation
- Nerve fibers: perception of heat, cold, pain and itching
Appendages of the epidermal layer and their functions
- Excrine unit: function in thermoregulation by perspiration
- Apocrine unit: function in production of apocrine sweat
- Hair follicles: function in production of hair, cavity encoding hair
- Nails: function in protection, mechanical (fine motor) assistance
- Sebaceous glands: function in producing sebum (oil) to lubricate skin)
Subcutaneous tissue (what is it?)
- Adipose: function in energy storage and balance, trauma absorption
- Lose this during aging
Signs and symptoms of skin disease
- pruritus
- Xerosis
- urticaria
- rash
- blisters
- xeroderma
- edema
- discoloration
Pruritus
- itching *primary sign of integumentary disease
Xerosis
rough dry skin
Urticara
- hives
- can be caused by stress and anxiety
- wheals
rash
- Erythema: redness
- Macular lesions: hives, red, raised
- Papular: bubble
blisters
- Vesicle or bulla (fluid accumulation)
Xeroderma
- ichthyosis (excessive dryness) flaky
Normal aging with the skin
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
Skin care strategies to reduce itching
Soaps, oatmeal, aveeno, menthol, camphor, aloe, capsaicin, antihistamines (less sulfates)
skin strategies to reduce inflammation
Topical steroids, tar preparations: hit skin in target manner
