Integumentary System Flashcards
Integumentary System
- The largest system.
- Made of skin, hair, nails, and specialized glands and nerves.
- Has two types of glands that secret sweat or oil.
Epidermis
- Outer layer
- Contains:
- Living and dead cells
- Pigment (colour)
- Melanin (UV ray protection)
Dermis “true skin”
- Under epidermis
- Contains:
- Blood vessels
- Nerves
- Sweat and oil glands
- Hair follicles
Hypodermis (subcutaneous)
- Under dermis
- Made of fat cells
Sebaceous glands
Secrete oil, keep skin soft and inhibit bacteria growth
Hair
Retain heat, protect eyes, nose, ears from foreign objects
Nails
Protect tips of fingers and toes, allow to grasp small objects, colour can be first indicator of health concerns
Sweat glands
Secrete water and some waste to maintain homeostasis
Skin
- Protection
a) Stops things from getting in or out
b) Sensation (hot/cold, pain, pressure) - Absorption (e.x., vitamin D from the sun)
- Regulate body temperature
Blood vessels dilate (widen) = cool down
Blood vessels constrict (narrow) = warm up
Aging
- Skin becomes less elastic (wrinkles)
- Skin loses its strength
- Age/liver spots appear on hands
- Nerve endings decrease in number (decreased sensation and ability to feel pain)
- Blood vessels decrease in number
- Fatty tissue layer is lost (increased sensitivity to cold)
- Skin thins/sags/becomes fragile (tears easily)
- Skin becomes dry and itchy (less oil production)
- Sensitivity to extreme heat/cold
- Nails become thick and tough
- Hair whitens, grays, thins, and becomes dry
Hives
Cause: Allergy
Symptom: Red, itchy
Treatment: Avoid cause
Dermatitis
Cause: Allergy/irritant
Symptom: Red, itchy, warm
Treatment: Avoid cause
Scabies
Type: Infection
Cause: Mites under skin
Symptom: Itching
Treatment: Medication, wear PPE
Impetigo
Type: Infection
Cause: Bacteria
Symptom: Itching
Treatment: Antibiotics, wear PPE
Boil
Type: Infection
Cause: Hair follicle infection
Symptom: Red, pus filled lump
Treatment: Medication, heat treatment, wear PPE
