Integumentary Flashcards
Shape Definitions
Annular
Arcuate
Iris
Discoid
Nummular
Serpiginous
Guttate
Morbilliform
Annular: ring-shaped w/ active margin and clear center
Arcuate: arched, bow-shaped
Iris: target lesion
Discoid: disk-shaped
Nummular: coin-shaped
Serpiginous: snakelike
Guttate: drop-sized
Morbilliform: small confluent macules - form irregular shapes
Arrangement
Confluent
Discrete
Generalized/diffuse
Disseminated
Grouped
Reticulated
Confluent: blend into adjacent lesions
Discrete: separated by normal skin from other lesions
Generalized/diffuse: covering most of the designated surface body surface
Disseminated: widespread discrete lesions
Grouped: multiple lesions clustered in one area but not blending
Reticulated: in the form of a network
Keratinocytes
Predominant epidermis cells - change shape and size as they move superficially
Replace cells w/ normal cell shedding
Produce keratin - essential to protective function of skin
5 layers of Keratinocytes
Stratum germinativum/basal = single layer columnar cells
- undergo mitosis
Stratum spinosum = 2-4 layers, cells differentiate
Stratum granulosum = few layers, some differentiating & others lose cytoplasm
Stratum lucidum = thin, transparent layer confined to palms and soles
Stratum corneum = many layers dead squamous keratinized cells
Melanocytes
Located @ basal layer
Pigment synthesizing cells - convert tyrosine to melanin via tyrosinase enzyme
UV ray exposure increases melanin production
Dark & light skinned have same # melanocytes - efficiency of production & shipping is what differs
Merkel’s Cells
Basal layer - least densely populated cells of epidermis
Function as mechanoreceptors (touch)
-most densely populated in fingertips
Langerhan’s Cells
Scattered in suprabasal layer epidermis
Few in number
Immunologic cells - recognize foreign antigens harmful to body
-Bind antigens to surface, process it, send to regional lymph nodes
Dermis
Connective tissue layer between epidermis & subcutaneous fat layer
Composed mostly of collagen
-also immune cells, nerves, blood vessels
Subcutaneous Tissue
Primary fat & connective tissues that lend support to vascular & neural structures
Eccrine glands and deep hair follicles extend to this layer
Sweat Glands
Eccrine (Merocrine): cover entire body, originate in dermis & open directly to skin surface
-Primary function & transport sweat to body surface for temperature regulation
Apocrine: open into a hair follicle - associated w/ hair, axilla, areola, genitals/anus
- located deep in dermal layer - secrete oily substance
- sterile until mixed w/ bacteria
Sebaceous Glands
Over entire skin surface except palms, soles, & sides of feet
Secretes sebum: lipids, cholesterol, other substances
-lubricates hair & skin
Inactive until adolescence - influenced by testosterone
Hair & Nails
Hair: vascular network @ follicle nourishes, melanocytes in bulb determine color
Nails: harden keratinized plates, nail matrix is germinal region
-Cuticle = eponychium
Macule
Patch
Papule
Plaque
Nodule
Macule: circumscribed flat lesion <1 cm
Patch: circumscribed flat lesion >1 cm
Papule: Elevated solid lesion w/ variable color <0.5 cm
-May become confluent = becomes plaque
Plaque: Raised flat-topped superficial lesions where diameter > thickness
Nodule: elevated lesion w/ rounded surface - deeper & firmer than papule
-0.5-2 cm
Tumor
Wheal
Vesicle
Bulla
Pustule
Tumor: Larger nodule >1-2 cm
Wheal: irregular, transient swelling due to localized skin edema
Vesicle: Fluid-filled lesion <1 cm
Bulla: Serous-filled lesion >1 cm
Pustule: Circumscribed lesion filled w/ pus
Scales
Crusts
Erosion
Ulcer
Scales: Abnormal stratum corneum due to accumulation of/increased shedding of keratinocytes
Crusts: Dried serum/pus/blood - Hx reveals weeping/pus/blood
Erosion: Partial loss epidermis - doesn’t cross dermal/epidermal layer
-This allows it to heal w/o scarring
Ulcer: Full thickness epidermis loss +/- some dermis
-These heal w/ scarring
