Integumentary System Flashcards
Integumentary System
Encloses internal body structures; site of many sensory receptors; thermoregulation; vitamin D synthesis
Main Organs: Hair, Skin, Nails
Function #1- Protection
The skin protects the rest of the body from the basic elements of nature such as wind, water, and UV sunlight.
Function #2- Sensory Function
The skin acts as a sense organ because the epidermis, dermis, and the hypodermis contain specialized sensory nerve structures that detect touch, surface temperature, and pain.
Function #3- Thermoregulation
The sympathetic nervous system is continuously monitoring body temperature and initiating appropriate motor responses.
Function #4- Vitamin D Synthesis
The epidermal layer of human skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to UV radiation. In the presence of sunlight, a form of vitamin D3 called cholecalciferol is synthesized in the skin. Vitamin D is essential for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which are required for healthy bones.
Skin
The skin is made of multiple layers of cells and tissues, which are held to underlying structures by connective tissue.
Epidermis
Most superficial
Dermis
Middle layer
Hypodermis
Deepest layer
Keratinocyte
a cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin.
Stratum basale
Deepest epidermal layer (the base) and attaches the epidermis to the basal lamina, below which lie the layers of the dermis.
Stratum spinosum
The desmosomes interlock with each other and strengthen the bond between the cells.
Stratum granulosum
Has a grainy appearance due to further changes to the keratinocytes as they are pushed from the stratum spinosum.
Stratum lucidum
This thin layer of cells is found only in the thick skin of the palms, soles, and digits. The keratinocytes that compose the stratum lucidum are dead and flattened
Stratum corneum
The increased keratinization (also called cornification) of the cells in this layer gives it its name, usually 15 to 30 layers of cells in the stratum corneum.
From Superficial to Deep
Come-stratum corneum Let’s-stratum lucidum Get- stratum granulosum Sun- stratum spinosum Burnt- stratum basale
Thick Skin
All layers of skin, only found on palms of hands and soles of feet
Thin Skin
Layers 1,3, 4 and 5- stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale
Keratin
an intracellular fibrous protein that gives hair, nails, and skin their hardness and water-resistant property
Hair
Keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells
Hair Follicle
Strands of hair originate in an epidermal penetration of the dermis
Hair Shaft
The part of the hair not anchored to the follicle, and much of this is exposed at the skin’s surface
Hair Root
The rest of the hair, which is anchored in the follicle that lies below the surface of the skin
Free Edge
Ensures nail bed is covered and protected
Lunula
Also known as nail bed, rich in blood vessels making ti appear pink
Eponychium (Cuticle)
The nail fold that meets the proximal end of the nail body forms the nail cuticle, also called the eponychium
Nail Root
A matrix of proliferating cells from the stratum basale that enables the nail to grow continuously
Apocrine Sweat Gland
Usually associated with hair follicles in densely hairy areas, such as armpits and genital regions, lie deep in the dermis
Pores
On the skin surface, where the sweat is released.
Eccrine Sweat Gland
Type of gland that produces a hypotonic sweat for thermoregulation. These glands are found all over the skin’s surface, but are especially abundant on the palms of the hand, the soles of the feet, and the forehead
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Frequent and most common type of cancer. Symptoms: white waxy bumps or scaly patch. Treatment: surgery or medication
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Form of skin cancer stemming from sun exposure/ UV lights and genetics. Symptoms: rough, reddish scaly patch, open sore, wart like growth. Treatment: microscopic surgery
Melanoma
Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (makes melanin). Symptoms: sores, redness, swelling, discoloration. Treatment: immunotherapy and targeted drugs
Eczema
Skin condition that can make your skin red, itchy, flaky and dry. Symptoms: dry skin, itching, bumps. Treatment: avoid harsh soaps, moisturizing regular, medical creams
Acne
Occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin or bacteria. Symptoms: red bumps. Treatments: cleansing, gel or cream, spot cream
1st degree burn
Affect the epidermis and are the least serious. Symptoms: peeling skin, redness, swelling, pain, dry skin. Treatment: run cool water on it, Aloe Vera
2nd degree burn
Affects first and second layer of skin (epidermis and dermis). Symptoms: blisters. Treatment: clean and bandage affected area
3rd degree burn
Destroy the epidermis and dermis. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. Symptoms: The burn site appears white or charred. There is no sensation in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed. Treatment: clean and bandage area
4th degree burn
Burns that go through both layers of the skin and underlying tissue as well as deeper tissue, and possibly involving muscle and bone. Symptoms: affected area has a charred-looking appearance, loss of sensation. Treatment: covering the affected area with a loose bandage or cloth
Stretch Marks
Type of scar that occurs when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Symptoms: colored marks. Treatment: no treatment, may fade over time
Callus
Small area of thickened skin that forms as a result of repetitive friction, pressure or irritation. Symptoms: tenderness or pain underneath skin. Treatments: soaking the callus then exfoliating the rough area
