integumentary system Flashcards
What is the integumentary system?
System that protects the body from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water and abrasions from outside. The system comprises the skin and it’s appendages such as hair and nails.
The skin is by far the largest organ of the human body despite being only a few millimetres thick.
what are the functions of the integumentary system?
Protect against infection by forming a physical barrier to microbes and foreign material and is the body’s first defence mechanisms in your immune system
Sensory perception of pain, pressure, heat and cold
Thermoregulation using nerves, blood vessels and sweat glands to control body temperature
Excretion of trace amounts of water and body waste, whilst helping to prevent dehydration
Maintenance of mineralisation of bones and teeth and synthesis of vitamin D
Absorption of lipid-soluble substances such as fat-soluble vitamins and drugs through the skin
The skin comprises three layers
epidermis
dermis
Subcutaneous layer
from shaking a patients hand we can tell…
temperature texture grip Respiratory problems (bulbous finger) cap bed refill (circulatory problems)
What is eczema?
itchy, dry and cracked skin
What is psoriasis?
skin condition that causes red flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
Increased production of skin cells.
no cure but can use topical treatment
What is malignant melanoma?
type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
Appearance of new mole or change in appearance of existing one.
surgery to remove
What is basal cell carcinoma?
most common skin cancer.
Look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps. May ooze crust or bleed
surgery to remove
What is acne?
affect most people
Causes spots, oily skin
Caused by changes in hormone levels.
what are warts/verrucas
Small lumps on the skin
what is impetigo?
Highly contagious skin infection that often starts with red sores.
red sores or blisters that burst and leave crusty golden brown patches
What is rosacea?
long term skin condition that mainly affects the face
More common in women and people with light skin but can be worse in men
redness/blushing across nose, cheeks, forehead.
Tiny broken blood vessels on skin
what is vitiligo?
Pale white patches develop on the skin. Lack if melanin
what are fungal infections?
Skin disease caused by fungus. Contagious
athletes foot, ringworm,
What is alopecia?
causes hair to fall out in small patches
