Skin: The Integumentary System Flashcards
Integumentary system
made up of skin and its related structures; performs important functions in maintaining the health of the body
integument means enclose or cover
skin
forms the protective outer layer covering the external surfaces of the entire body
Functions of the Skin (4)
waterproofs the body and prevents fluid loss
blocks the entrance of pathogens into the body
major receptor of touch
helps the body synthesize vitamin D
the average adult has 3 square yards of skin, making it the largest bodily organ. true or false
false
although it is the largest bodily organ, on average an adult has 2 square yards
Name 4 related structures of the integumentary system
Sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair and nails
function of sebaceous glands
secrete sebum that lubricates the skin and discourages the growth of bacteria on the skin
function of sweat glands
help regulate body temperature and water content by secreting sweat and some metabolic waste
function of hair
helps control the loss of body heat
function of nails
protects the dorsal surface of the last bone of each toe and finger
Name the 3 basic layers of skin
Epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers
Epidermis
the outermost layer of the skin, made of several epithelial tissues, does not contain any blood vessels or connective tissues; therefore dependent on lower layers for nourishment
Epithelial tissue
form a protective covering for all of the internal and external surfaces of the body
squamous epithelial tissue
forms the upper layer of the epidermis
squamous means scale-like
basal layer and what happens here
the lowest layer of the epidermis, here new cells are produced and pushed upward.
Keratin
a fibrous, water-repellent protein.
melanocytes and what do they produce
are special cells that are also found in the basal cell layer. these cells produce and contain a dark brown to black pigment known as melanin.
Melanin
the pigment that determines the color of the skin
Dermis
aka corium, the thick layer of living tissue directly below the epidermis.
What is found in the dermis? (6)
tissue, blood and lymph vessels, nerve fibers, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands
Sensory nerve endings
receptors for stimuli such as touch, temperature, pain and pressure
Collagen
a tough yet flexible fibrous protein material found in the skin and also in the bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments
mast cells and what does it do
found in the connective tissue of the dermis, respond to injury, infection, or allergy by producing and releasing substances, including heparin and histamine
heparin
released in response to an injury; it is an anticoagulant.
anticoagulant
prevents blood clotting
histamine
released in response to allergens, causes the signs of an allergic response such as runny nose and itching.
subcutaneous layer
is located below the layers of the skin and connects the skin to the surface of muscles
What is the subcutaneous layer made of
adipose tissue
adipose means fat
celulite
deposits of dimpled fat around the buttocks and thighs
Lipocyte and where is it found and what does it do
also known as fat cells and found in the subcutaneous layer; manufactures and stores large quantities of fat
Sebaceous glands are located in which layer of the skin
located in the dermis layer of the skin
functions of sebaceous glands
secrete sebum through the ducts opening into hair follicles, onto the surface to lubricate the skin.
sebum also discourages bacteria growth because of its acidity
Sweat glands
tiny, coiled glands found on almost all body surfaces
2 types of sweat glands
apocrine gland which are found at hair glands and eccrine glands which open onto the skin; many found in the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet and forehead
pores
openings on the surface of the skin that act as the ducts of sweat glands
perspiration
secreted by sweat glands; made of 99% water, salt and some metabolic waste products.
Function of perspiration
one way in which body excretes excess water and cools the body
hidrosis
the production and excretion of perspiration
mammary glands
modified sweat glands that produce milk
hair
fibers composed of tightly fused, dead protein cells filled with hard keratin
Darkness and color of hair is determined by the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes. true or false
true
hair follicles
sacs that hold the root of the hair fibers.
whether hair is curly or straight is determined by the shape of the follicles. true or false
true
arrector pili
tiny muscle fibers attached to the hair follicles that cause the hair to stand erect in response to cold or fright.
Nails
the keratin plate that protects the dorsal surface of the last bones of each finger and toe
Fingernail and toe nail aka inguis
Name 6 parts of the nail
nail body, nail bed, free edge, lunula, cuticle and nail root.
plastic surgeon
physician who specializes in the surgical restoration and reconstruction of body structures
cosmetic surgeon
plastic surgeons who perform operations usually for aesthetic reasons
Acne Vulgaris
chronic inflammatory disease
characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft
comedo; name two types of comedones
a noninfected lesion formed by buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle
whitehead-closed comedo
blackhead-open comedo
epidermoid cyst
aka sebaceous cyst; closed sac found just under the skin, containing yellow fatty material
Seborrhea
overactivity of the sebaceous glands resulting in production of excessive sebum causing scaling and itching of skin or scalp
2 examples of seborrhea
excessive dandruff and cradle cap
seborrheic keratosis
benign skin growth that has a waxy or pasted on look, vary in color and common among the elderly
Anhidrosis
abnormal condition of lacking sweat
diaphoresis
profuse sweating
dia means through
phor means movement
esis means abnormal condition
heat rash
an intensively itchy rash caused by the blockage of sweat glands by bacteria and dead cells
hyperhidrosis
is a condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body
sleep hyperhidrosis
aka night sweat
folliculitis
inflammation of the hair follicles; common on arms and legs of men
trichomycosis axillaris
superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands trich/o means hair myc means fungus osis means abnormal condition axill means armpit ary means pertaining to
hirsutism
presence of excess body and facial hair in women; can be hereditary or a hormone imbalance
alopecia
aka baldness; partial or complete loss of hair
alopecia areata
an autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles’ causing well defined bald areas on the scalp or area of the body; often begins in childhood
alopecia totalis
an uncommon condition characterized by the loss of all the hair on scalp
Alopecia universalis
the total loss of hair on all parts of the body
androgenic alopecia
the most common type of hair loss. androgenic means referring to androgens, the hormone involved in the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics.
in men it is called male pattern baldness
Clubbing
the abnormal curving of the nails, often accompanied by the enlargement of the fingertips; can be hereditary, but usually caused by oxygen deficiencies
koilonychia
aka spoon nail; malformation of the nails, the outer surface is concave or scooped out like a bowl; usually due to an iron deficiency
koil means hollow or concave
onych means fingernail or toenail
ia means condition
Onychia
aka onychitis, an inflammation of the bed of the nail that often results in the loss of the nail
Onychocryptosis
commonly known as ingrown toenail; edges of the nail curve inward and cuts into the skin
Onychomycosis
us a fungal infection of the nail; depending on the fungus involved, it can cause the nails to turn a certain color and become brittle
Paronychia
an acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail
acanthosis nigricans
condition where one or more areas of the skin develop dark, wart-like patches; can be a sign of cancer or type 2 diabetes
age spots
discolorations caused by sun exposure
albinism
genetic condition characterized by a deficiency of pigment in the skin, hair, irises of the eye; this condition is the result of a missing enzyme necessary for the production of melanin
chloasma
pigmentation disorder; brownish spots on the face; sometimes appear during pregnancy
vitiligo
skin condition resulting from destruction of the melanocytes due to unknown causes; irregular patches of white skin; a process known as depigmentation
contusion
an injury to underlying tissues without breaking skin; characterized by discoloration and pain
contus means bruise
ion means condition
ecchymosis
aka bruise, large irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin
ecchym means pouring out of juice
osis means abnormal condition
purpura
the appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin
discolorations smaller than ecchymosis and larger than petechiae
petechiae
very small, pinpoint hemorrhages that are less than 2mm in diameter; sometimes results from high fevers
hematoma
usually caused by an injury, swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues
lesion
a pathological change of the tissues due to disease or injury. described by appearance, location, color and size(cm)
crust
aka scab, collection of dried serum and cellular debris
erosion
is the wearing away of a surface
macule
aka macula; a discolored flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter
ie. freckles or moles
nodule
solid, raised skin lesion; larger than .5 cm
papule
small raised red lesion that is less than 0.5 cm; does not contain pus
ie. small pimples and insect bites
plaque
a scaly, solid raised area of closely spaced papules
also means a fatty buildup in the arteries
scales
flakes or dry patches made up of excess epidermal cells
verrucae
aka warts; small hard skin lesions caused by human papillomavirus
wheal
aka welt; small bump that itches
abcess
a closed pocket containing pus that is caused by a bacterial infection
purulent
producing or containing pus
exudate
a fluid that leaks out of an infected wound
cyst
an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material
pustule
aka pimple, a small circumscribed lesion containing pus
circumscribed means contained with a limited area
vesicle
a small blister, containing watery fluid
bulla
a large blister
abrasion
an injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away
fissure
groove or crack-like break in the skin
laceration
a torn or jagged wound or an accidental cut wound
pressure sore
aka ulcer or bedsore; open ulcerated wound that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of skin
needlestick injury
an accidental puncture wound caused by a used hypodermic needle, potentially transmitting an infection
ulcer
an open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges
Birthmark
mole or blemish on the skin present at birth or shortly after
Pigmented birthmark
cafe ar lait spots and other irregularities in skin color
vascular birthmarks
caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface; most common, aka salmon patches or red birthmarks
capillary hemangioma
aka strawberry birthmark; soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark
port-wine stain
flat vascular birthmark made up of dilated blood capillaries, creating a large, reddish purple discoloration on the face or neck
Dermatitis
an inflammation of the skin; characterized by redness, swelling and itching
Contact Dermatitis
localized allergic response caused by contact with an irritant
ie. diaper rash
eczema
aka atopic dermatitis; form of persistent or recurring dermatitis characterized by redness, itching and dryness with possible blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding
Exfoliative dermatitis
condition in which there is wide-spread scaling of the skin; often accompanied by redness and hair loss
Pruritus
aka itching
prurit means itching
Erythema
redness of the skin due to capillary dilation
erythem means flushed
dilation means the expansion of capillary
Erythema infectiosum
aka fifth disease; mildly contagious viral infection; produces a red, lace-like rash on the child’s face
Erythema multiforme
skin disorder from a generalized allergic reaction to an illness, infection or medication.
Erythema pernio
aka chilblains; purple-red inflammation; when small blood vessels below the skin are damaged, usually due to exposure to cold and damp weather
sunburn
form of erythema; skin cells are damaged by exposure to UV rays
Erythroderma
abnormal redness of the entire skin surface
Exanthem
widespread rash
rash is a breaking out, that changes color or tecture of skin
Hand, foot and mouth disease
mild viral infection, characterized by sores in the mouth and throat and a rash on the hands and feet
Dermatosis
general term used to denote skin lesions or eruptions of any type that are not associated with inflammation
ichthyosis
a group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened and scaly skin; caused by the slowing of the skin’s natural shedding process or by a rapid increase in the production of skin’s cells
lipedema
aka painful fat syndrome; a chronic abnormal condition characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues under skin of hips and legs
systemic lupus erythematosus
aka lupus, an autoimmune disorder characterized by red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk, also attacks the connective tissue in the joints
psoriasis
common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on elbows, knees, scalp, back and buttocks
Rosacea
aka adult acne; tiny red pimples and broken blood vessels; usually happens to those with fair skin between age of 30-60
Rhinophyma
aka bulbous nose; usually in older men; overgrowth of tissues of the nose
rhino means nose
phyma means growth
Scleroderma
an autoimmune disorder in which connective tissues become thickened and hardened
affects joints and internal organs
Urticaria
aka hives, itchy small bumps caused by an allergic reaction
urtic means rash
aria means connected with
xeroderma
aka xerosis; excessively dry skin
xer/o means dry
derma means skin
Carbuncle
cluster of connected furuncles(boils)
Cellulitis
an acute, rapidly spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissues
-swelling, warmth, red streaks, malaise
do not confuse with celulite
Furuncles
aka boils; large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around the hair follicles or sebaceous glands
gangrene
death of tissue, a loss of circulation to the affected tissues, followed by bacterial invasion that causes putrefaction(decay). can be fatal if enters bloodstream
impetigo
highly contagious bacterial skin infection, common in children.
characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture
necrotizing fasciitis
sever infection caused by group A strep bacteria, aka flesh-eating bacteria
necrotizing means causing tissue death
fasciitis means inflammation of fascia
pyoderma
an acute, inflammatory, pus-forming bacterial skin infection
mycosis
any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus
myc means fungus
osis means abnormal condition
what is tinea and medically name 4 body parts where it occurs
aka ringworm; fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair or nails. the fungus spreads out in a worm-like circle on the skin
1)Tinea capitis: scalps of children
capitis means head
2) Tinea Corporis: skin on the body
corporis means body
3)Tinea Cruris aka jock itch; genital area
4) Tinea Pedis aka athlete’s foot; commonly found between the toes
pedis means feet
Tinea Versicolor
fungal infection that causes painless, discolored areas on the skin
versicolor means variety of colors
infestation
dwelling of microscopic parasites on external surface tissue
pediculosis
an infestation with lice
name three types of lice
pediculosis capitis; infestation of head lice
pediculosis corporis: infestation of body lice
pediculosis pubis: lice infestation in the pubic hair and pubic region
Scabies
skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites
these mites cause small itchy bumps and blisters by burrowing into the top layer of human skin and lay their eggs
callus
thickening part of the skin on the hands or feet caused by repeated rubbing
clavus or corn
callus in the keratin layer of skin covering the joints of toes; usually caused by ill-fitting shoes
cicatrix
normal scar from the healing of a wound
granulation tissue
the tissue that normally forms during the healing of a wound; eventually forms the scar
granuloma
a small, knot-like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis; resulting from inflammation, injury or infection
keloid
abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision
kel means growth or tumor
oid means resembling
keratosis
any skin growth such as a wart or callus,in which there is overgrowth or thickening of the skin
lipoma
a benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer
Nevus
aka mole, a small dark skin growth that develops from melanocytes
dyplastic nevi
atypical moles that cacn develop into skin cancer
papilloma
a benign, superficial, wart-like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in body
papill means resembling a nipple
polyp
a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane
Skin tags
small, flesh-colored or light brown polyps that hang from the body by fine stalks; tend to enlarge with age
skin cancer
malignant growth, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun
three main types of skin cancer
basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma
actinic keratosis
aka solar keratosis; precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin.
basal cell carcinoma
a malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis; most common and least harmful; slow growing and rarely spreads
-lesions on the face or neck tend to bleed easily
Squamous cell carcinoma
malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; spreads quickly, begins as skin lesions that will not heal or have a crusted look
malignant melanoma
type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes; the most serious type of skin cancer
often first signs are changes to the size, shape or color of a mole
burn
an injury to body tissues by heat, flame, electricity, sun, chemicals or radiation
three burn levels and difference
first-degree burn aka superficial burn; no blisters
second-degree burn aka partial thickness burn; blisters, damage to the epidermis and dermis
third-degree burn aka full thickness burn; damage to the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers, possibly to the muscle and bone below
biopsy
removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination or to establish diagnosis
incisional biopsy
a piece of tumor or lesion removed
excisional biopsy
the entire tumor or lesion and margin of surrounding tissue removed
needle biopsy
hollow needle is used to remove a core of tissue for examination
exfoliative cytology
aka skin scraping
sunscreen
blocks out harmful uvb rays; measured in strength by SPF(sun protective factor)
cauterization
the destruction of tissue by burning
chemabrasion
aka chemical peel; use of chemicals to remove outer layers of skin to treat acne scarring, fine wrinkling and keratoses
cryosurgery
aka freezing; destruction or elimination of abnormal tissue cells such as warts or tumors through the applicatio of extreme cold
cry/o means coldn
curettage
the removal of material from the surface by scraping
debridement
form of abrasion involving the use of a revolving wire brush or sandpaper; to remove acne and chickenpox scars
electrodessication
a surgical technique in which tissue is destroyed using an electric spark.
used primarily to remove superficial growths and seal off blood vessels
incision
cut made used a surgical instrument
Mohs surgery
technique used to treat various types of skin cancer. individual layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until a margin that is clear of all cancerous tissue has been achieved.
laser is an acronym for
light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
photodynamic therapy
a technique used to treat damaged and precancerous skin
retinoids
a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A that are used in skin care and treatment
isotretinoin
aka Accutane, powerful retinoid takin in pill form for the treatment of severe acne
tretinoin
the active ingredient in Retin-a and renova used to treat sun-damaged skin acne and wrinkles
blepharoplasty
aka lid lift, the surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids by removing sagging skin
blephar/o means eyelid
plasty means surgical repair
BCC
basal cell carcinoma
caut
cauterization
Ecz, Ez
eczema
I & D
incision and drainage
MM
Malignant melanoma
NF
necrotizing fasciitis
PDT
photodynamic therapy
SCD
scleroderma
SCC
Squamous cell carcinoma
SC, subq
subcutaneous
