Skin Flashcards
What are the functions of the skin?
The skin is a single organ
The epidermis and dermis have somewhat separate functions
Some functions are so important that if our skin wasn’t working properly, we wouldn’t survive
What does the epidermis do?
Protects us from the environment
Prevents excess water loss
Protects us from infection
What are the 6 functions of the epidermis?
Secretion - Sebum
Heat regulator - 98.6
Absorption - chemicals, cosmetics, drugs
Protection - bacterial infection, injury
Excretion - Sweating
Sensation - Pressure, pain
What are the five epidermis layers?
Stratum Corneum (Horny Layer) - epidermal fatty material
Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer) - second layer of the epidermis
Stratum Granulosum (Granular Layer) - thickness of this layer may vary
Stratum Spinosum (Prickle Layer) - second layer to the bottom of the epidermis
Stratum Germinativum (Basal Layer) - lowest part of epidermis
What is keritinisation?
Keritinisation is where the skin cells die and are shed from the skin
What happens in the base layer of the epidermis?
Mitosis occurs at this level
It is most productive at night
The melanocytes hold the UV rays
How or why does the skin protect us from the environment
The suns rays effect us all year round
Pollution can affect us
Smoking attack’s the skin
Weather attacks the skin
Why does the skin prevent water loss?
Our bodies lose water naturally
We should prevent the excess water loss
The stratum corneum controls moisture loss
How does our skin prevent infection?
There is a natural layer of oil in water emulsion that protects us
The white blood cells capture and destroy the infection
Where is the dermis found?
Underneath the epidermis
What are the functions of the dermis?
Gives protection
Removes waste
Provides shape and form
Contributes to skin colour
Regulation of body temperature
Provides the skin sensations
What fibres are found in the skin?
Collagen - 78% of dry skin
Recticulum - forms fine branches
Elastin - contained in collagen fibres
What are the dermis layers?
Papillary Layer
Reticular Layer
What does the recticular layer do?
Contains:
Fat cells
Blood and lymph vessels
Sweat glands
Hair follicles
Nerve endings
What are skin appendages? Give examples:
Structures within the skin, for example the sebaceous and sweat glands or the hair follicles
What are the sebaceous glands attached to?
The hair follicle
What do the sudariferous glands do?
Secrete Sweat
Where are hairs in follicles found?
All over the face
What is connective tissue? What does it do?
Connective tissue is a dense meshwork of dermis
It surrounds both the hair follicle and and sebaceous glands, providing a sensory and blood supply
What is the subcutaneous layer?
The deepest layer of the skin
How does facial massage effect the skin?
Increased circulation
Sebaceous glands are nourished
Sudiforous glands are stimulated
Desquamation takes place, removal of top dead skin cells
What is a vesicle?
An area of skin that is a different colour containing clear fluid. It is located within or slightly below the epidermis and is commonly referred to as a blister
Less that 0.5cm
Herpes simplex/zoster
Cannot continue treatment
What is a bulla?
Similar to the vesicle but larger
Greater than 0.5cm
Contact dermatitis, large, second degree burns bulbous impetigo, blister
Cannot continue treatment
What is a papule?
Small, solid skin elevation, doesn’t contain fluid but may develop puss, a sign of infection
Less than 0.5cm in diameter
Warts, acne vulgaris
Can continue treatment, depending on type, number and severity
What is a Tubercle?
Abnormal, rounded, solid lump, located above, within or under the skin. Whilst solid and elevated, however, it also extends deeper than papules, into the dermis or subcutaneous tissues
0.5 to 2cm
Cyst
What is a pustule?
Elevated lesion that becomes filled with pus and cellular debris. Raised, inflamed, papule, with white or yellow centre containing pus in the top of the lesion.
Usually less than 0.5cm in diameter
Acne vulgaris, impetigo, furuncles, carbuncles, folliculitis, boil
Cannot continue treatment
