Integumentary system Flashcards
Integumentary system
Function: 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 keratinocyte is 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
Spiny in appearance. 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
Smooth and seemingly translucent layer. 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. There are usually 15 to 30 layers of cells in the stratum corneum. The entire layer is replaced in a period of 4 weeks.
From superficial to deep
Come- Stratum corneum Let’s- Stratum lucidum Get- Stratum granulosum Sun- Stratum spinosum Burnt-Stratum basale
Thick skin
Only on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet(layers 1-5: corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale)
Thin skin
Layers 1, 3, 4, 5: Corenum, granulosum, spinosum, basale
Keratin
Keratin is an intracellular fibrous protein that gives hair, nails, and skin their hardness and water-resistant properties.
Hair
Hair is a 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 called the hair follicle.
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, lies below the surface of the skin and is referred to as the hair root.
Free edge
Ensures that all the nail bed is covered and therefore protected.
Lunula
The nail bed is rich in blood vessels, making it appear pink, except at the base, where a thick layer of epithelium over the nail matrix forms a crescent-shaped region called the lunula
Eponychium
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.
Eccrine sweat gland
Type of gland that produces a hypotonic sweat for thermoregulation.
Apocrine sweat gland
Is usually associated with hair follicles in densely hairy areas, such as armpits and genital regions.
Pores
They are coiled glands lying deep in the dermis, with the duct rising up to a pore on the skin surface, where the sweat is released.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Symptoms- white waxy bump or scaly patch on sun exposed areas
Treatment- Surgery or medications
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Symptoms- Rough reddish scaly patch. Form of skin cancer caused by UV light and genetics.
Treatment- microscopic surgery
Melanoma
Symptoms- causes sores that don’t heal, redness, swelling, and discoloration.
Treatment- immunotherapy and targeted drugs
Eczema
Symptoms- dry skin, scaly rough skin, bumps, and discoloration(typically red and gray)
Treatment- moisturizing regularly and applying medical creams and ointments.
Acne
Occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria.
Symptoms- pimples, red bumps, irritation
Treatment- Cleansing properly, using a water based moisturizer
1st degree skin burns
Symptoms- Affects the epidermis, peeling skin, redness, swelling, pain, and dry skin.
Treatment- aloe vera, running cool water on the burn
2nd degree skin burn
Symptoms- affects the first and second layer of the epidermis and dermis, blisters, most painful because the nerves are not destroyed.
Treatment- Clean and bandage the affected area.
3rd degree skin burn
Symptoms- white or blackened skin, may look charred, and possibly numb depending on nerve damage
Treatment- IV antibiotics and fluid. Medicated ointments and creams and possibly skin grafts
4th degree skin burn
Symptoms- go through both layers of the skin and underlying tissue, possibly including muscle and bones. The nerves are destroyed so it is not painful.
Treatment- IV fluids and antibiotics, clean and bandage properly, once healed skin grafts may be used.
Stretch marks
Symptoms- Colored marks may appear
Treatment- fades as time but never completely goes away
Callus
Symptoms- thickened skin that forms as a result of repetitive friction, pressure or irritation.
Treatment- Soaking the callus then exfoliating the rough area.
