Integumentary System Flashcards
What is the function of skin?
Protects deeper tissues from:
- physical and chemical damage
- infection
- UV radiation
- drying out
Aids in heat regulation
Aids in excretion of waste
Makes vitamin D
What is the epidermis?
Outermost layer of skin that is made up of thin, flat cells (otherwise known as epithelium). The epidermis is often hardened by keratin (a protein)
What is the Dermis?
The second layer of skin which contains nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands, smooth muscle, and hair follicles
What is Melanin?
Melanin is a pigment produced by the melanocytes which can be found in the bottom of the epidermis. They are most likely to be brown or black in color with the amount of melanin you produce to be dependent on genetics and exposure to sunlight.
What determines skin color?
Melanin: yellow, brown, or black pigments
Carotene: orange-yellow pigment, found in the fat tissue and is concentrated to the palms and soles of your feet
Hemoglobin: red coloring from blood cells in dermis capillaries. Oxygen content determines the extent of red coloring (anemia can cause a change in hemoglobin levels within the body)
What is the sebaceous gland?
Is a gland found in the dermis which produces oils that help to lubricate the skin and kill bacteria. Mostly found in the ducts that empty into hair follicles and are activated during puberty.
What are sweat glands?
Sweat glands are widely distributed throughout the body. They open into a pore on the skin surface and also empty into hair follicles. They’re main purpose is to help cool the body off when it gets too hot.
What is sweat made of?
Made from mostly water and some metabolic waste. The function of sweat is it helps dissipate excess heat and excretes waste products while also the acidic nature inhibits bacteria growth. Odor from sweating can be associated with bacteria.
What is hair and it’s function?
Produced by the hair follicle and consists of hard keratinized epithelial cells. Melanocytes help provide pigment for hair color. The purpose of hair is it provides warmth, insulation, and protection.
What are the associated hair structures?
- sebaceous gland
- arrector pili (smooth muscle)
- hail follicle
What is acne?
Caused when oil and dead skin plug hair follicles and can become infected with bacteria. Treatments include medicated washes and creams, antibiotics, and acutane.
What is the importance of nails?
There is a lack pigment is what makes them colorless. Scale-like modifications of the epidermis which lead to heavily keratinized skin.
What are some fungal infections?
- athletes foot
- under nails
- ringworm
What causes cold sores?
Herpes virus
What are some infections and allergies the integumentary system can face?
psoriasis: unknown cause, can be triggered by trauma, infection, or stress. Is an overproduction of skin cells which creates a thick layer of them. Can be red, scaly, burn/sting, and be in patches all over the body
Poison ivy/oak: exposures cause allergic reactions
