Skin Flashcards
Adipose Tissue
Vascular, loose connective tissue that stores fat and provides energy, cushioning and insulating.
Stores fat so liable vitamins: A, D, E, and K.
Blister
Collection of fluid at the junction between the dermis and epidermis due to friction.
Bony Prominence
Areas of the body, such as the heel or sacrum, which are protected by a relatively thin layer of subcutaneous tissue only. Bony prominences tend to be susceptible to pressure ulcers.
Callus
Localized build-up of stratum corneum cells due to pressure or friction.
Cell adhesion
The binding of a cell to a surface, extra cellular matrix or another cell using cell adhesion molecules such as selectins, integrins and cadherins
Collagen
Main supportive protein of the skin and gives it its tensile strength.
Collagen type 1- 77-85%
Collagen type 3 15-23%
Collagen type V and VI in small amounts.
Primary constituents are: proline, glycine, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine.
Elastin
Protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching and contracting.
Acid Mantle
Very fine, slightly acidic film over the epidermis. The acid mantle and stratum corneum make the skin less permeable to water, and indirectly protect the skin from microorganisms.
Fascia
Fibrous connective tissue that separates and surrounds structures, and facilitates movement between adjacent structures
Full Thickness Wound
Wound that extends through the epidermis and dermis and into or through the subcutaneous tissue.
Exames: full thickness burn, stage III pressures ulcer, Wagner grade 2-5.
Hair
Epidermal appendage located in the dermis made of soft keratin
Histamine
Chemical mediator released by mast cells which causes vasodilation and vessel wall permeability, and attracts other cells to the area.
Keratin
A protein produced by karat unicycles. Nails are made of hard keratin; hair is made of soft keratin.
Keratinocytes
Epidermal cell that resurfaces a wound and produces keratin. Responsible for epithelialization.
Langerhan’s cell
Epidermal cell that assists with infection control via phagocytosis. Contained in the Stratum Spinosum layer and Stratum Granulosum.
Macrophage
Cell that directs the repair process, secretes growth factors and enzymes and destroys bacteria and debris
Mast cell
Cell that helps initiate inflammation through secretion of histamine, enzymes, and chemical mediators
Melanin
Dark pigment of the skin and hair, formed by Melanocytes
Malanocyte
Pigment producing cell within the epidermis in the stratum basale layer. Melanocytes protect the skin from UV rays.
Merkel’s Cell
Sensory receptor with the epidermis providing information on light touch by attaching to keratinocytes by desmosones
Papillary Dermis
Thin superficial dermal layer consisting of loosely arranged connective tissue housed in a gelatinous matrix called ground substance. Dermal papillae conform to the contours of the stratum basale through rete pegs. Makes up 20% of the dermis. Distinct and unique pattern of collagen and reticular fibers allow for fingerprint identification. Also houses Meissner corpuscles which detect light touch.
Partial-thickness wound
Wound involving the epidermis and part of the dermis.
Blister, second degree burn, stage 2 pressure ulcer, Wagner grade 1 ulcer.
Phagocytizing
Process of engulfing and destroying bacteria and/or debris
Reticular dermis
Thick, deep dermal layer consisting of dense, irregularly arranged connective tissue that gives strength to the skin. Makes up 80% of the dermal thickness. Collagen, sweat glands, hair follicles, nerves and blood vessels.
Sebaceous gland
Oil gland; epidermal appendage located within the dermis
Sebum
Oily surface that lubricates the skin and hair
Stratum basale
Deepest epithelial layer; contains continuously dividing cells. Produces the protective protein, keratin. Has fibrinonectin a glycoprotein, IV collagen, heparin, glycosaminoglycan.
Contains melanocytes.
Stratum spinosum
Epithelial layer located between the station basale and strain ganulosum. Several rows of mature keratinocytes, appears spiny. Contains Langerhans cells.
Stratum granulosum
Epithelial cell layer located between the stratum spinosum and stratum lucidum. 3-5 layers of flattened cell rows with increase keratin concentration. Contains Langerhans cells.
Stratum lucidum
Epithelial layer located between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. A few layers of flattened dead keratinocytes. Only found on the palms and soles.
Subcutaneous tissue
Adipose tissue and fascia, located beneath the dermis; helps support the skin
Sudoriferous gland
Sweat gland; epidermal appendage located within the dermis; helps support the skin.
Superficial wound
Involving the epidermis only. Example: abrasion, first degree burn.
Tendon
Fibrous cord of connective tissue continuous with the fibers of a muscle and attaching the muscle to bone or cartilage
Layers of the skin
Stratum corneum-Stratum lucidum-Statum granulosum-Stratum spinosum- Stratum basale.
There is no blood supply in the epidermal layers. Live karatinocytes move up to the skin surface and die. Replacement occurs every 14-21 days.
Epidermal cell types
90% Keratinocytes.
10% Melanocytes, Merkel Cells and Langerhan’s Cells
Vitamin D Synthesis
Converts 7 dehydrocholestrol to cholecalciferol when exposed to sunlight. Then in the kidneys cholecalciferol is converted to 25 dehydroxycalciferol.
Basement membrane zone-BMZ
Anchors the epidermis to the dermis.
Fibroblasts
Produce collagen, elastin, granulation tissue, growth factors.
Meissner’s corpuscles
Nerves endings with pain and touch receptors transmit sensations of pain, itch, pressure and temperature. Located in the papillary dermis.
Epidermal appendage
Hair, nails and glands. Housed in the reticular dermis.
Functions of the Dermis
- Supports and nourishes the epidermis.
- Houses epidermal appendages.
- Assists with infection control.
- Assists with thermoregation.
- Provides sensation.
Skin Facts
- Weight 6-8 pounds.
- Covers 20 ft2 (1.9 m2).
- Receives 1/3rd of the blood supply
- pH is 4-6.8
- Water content 10-15%.
Interleukin-1-
Released from keratinocytes the moment the skin is broken initiating the inflammatory response.
Senile Purpura
Loss of dermal proteins leads to thinner blood vessels leading to hemorrhages and dissecting hematomas.
Minimum Skin Assessment
Temperature, color, moisture, turgor, integrity.
Payne and Martin Skin Tear
Traumatic wound occurring on the extremity of an older adult. Classification system divided into three sections based on weather tissue is lost.
Stage I- no tissue loss
Stage II- a portion of the tissue flap is still present.
Stage III- complete loss of tissue flap.
White developed a risk assessment tool
