Integumentary System Flashcards
Name and explain the layers of the skin.
- The Epidermis:
- Thin outer layer of the skin
- Contains melanocytes which secrete a skin darkening pigment called melanin
- The Dermis:
- Also called the “true skin”
- Composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue
- Contains blood vessels, nervous tissue, hair follicles and hairs, sebaceous glands, sweat glands & arrector pili muscles.
Name the 11 layers of the integumentary system. (will be in diagram in this order)
- hair shaft
- sebaceous gland
- sweat gland
- muscle
- nerve
- hair follicle
- artery
- vela
- subcutaneous layer
- dermis
- epidermis
What is the subcutaneous layer?
- Lies underneath the DERMIS
- Not considered part of the skin
- Composed of connective and adipose tissue
- Performs two roles:
1. To insulate the body from extreme temperature changes
2. To anchor the skin to the underlying structures.
Name the accessory structures
- Hair
- Nails (not artificial or painted tho because we’re nurses and nurses can’t have pretty nails fucken aye)
- Sebaceous glands
- Sweat glands
What are the functions of the integumentary system?
- Protection from infection
- Temperature regulation
- Sensory input
- Excretion of water and waste products
- Manufacturing of Vitamin D
What are some signs & symptoms of integumentary disorders?
- Pruritus (itching)
- Lesions
- Rashes
- Alteration in skin colour
Name some Common health problems associated with the integumentary system
- Skin lesions
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Urticaria (hives)
- Burns
- Neoplasms
- Infections
- Pressure ulcers
What is Seborrhoeic dermatitis?
Chronic inflammatory condition characterised by dry or moist, red, scaly eruptions. Common sites are the scalp, face and trunk.
What is psoriasis?
A chronic skin disorder characterised by red patches covered by thick, dry, silvery scales.
What is Pruritus?
Itching. It is one of the more common symptom of skin disorders.
What is contact dermatitis?
Caused by an irritant substance that comes into direct contact with the skin.
What is a pressure ulcer? (decubitus ulcer)
A pressure ulcer is damage to the skin caused by either intrinsic factors (characteristics specific to an individual’s condition) or extrinsic factors such as pressure, shearing forces or friction.
Name some intrinsic causes of pressure ulcers?
characteristics specific to the individual
- poor nutrition
- advancing age
- infection & pyrexia
- immobility
- increased moisture
- neurological/sensory factors
- vascular factors eg diabetes, arteriosclerosis
Name some extrinsic causes of pressure ulcers?
characteristics derived from the individuals environment
- prolonged pressure
- shearing
- friction
- skin integrity eg rubbing/massaging the skin
There are four stages of pressure ulcers, what are they?
Stage 1: area of skin becomes red which does not return to normal colour (even with relief of pressure.)
Stage 2: epidermis breaks or a blister is present. surrounding area is reddened.
Stage 3: breakdown in epidermis through the dermis. exudate is present; it may be serous or purulent.
Stage 4: breakdown extends into subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bone. exudate is usually present (yeah mate, we covered that in stage 3)
sinuses and widely undermined areas may be present.
- FUN FACTS -
EXUDATE = a mass of cells and fluid that has seeped out of blood vessels or an organ, especially in inflammation.
SEROUS = pertaining to or resembles serum. (you know, like the serum you put in your hair? the thin, runny, clear stuff? noice.)
PURULENT = consisting of, containing, or discharging pus. yum!
