Integ Flashcards
Describe the three layers of the skin
The upper layer is the epidermis, the layer below the epidermis is the dermis, and the third and deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue.
Describe the five layers of the epidermis
The layers of the epidermis include the stratum basale (the deepest portion of the epidermis), stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum (the most superficial portion of the epidermis).
Describe the four major cell types in the epidermis
Contains four major types of cells:
* Keratinocytes
* Melanocytes
* Intraepidermal macrophages (Langerhan’s cell)
* Tactile epithelial cells (Merkel cells)
Describe conditions that arise when there is a disruption in homeostasis of these
cells
Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the growth
cycle of skin cells, leading to thick, red, scaly patches.
Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the stratum basale
Albinism: A group of inherited disorders characterized by little or no melanin
production.
Vitiligo: A skin disorder where patches of skin lose their pigment
Skin Cancer
Describe the sensory function of the skin
Mechanoreceptors:
Respond to physical changes.
* Hair follicles: Light touch.
* Meissner corpuscles: Indentation & slipping.
* Pacinian corpuscles: Vibration.
* Merkel complexes: Texture understanding.
* Ruffini corpuscles: Stretch.
Temperature and Pain Receptors
Describe the components and functions of the dermis, with specificity to the two
division
The dermis is composed of connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers.
It contains two regions:
The papillary region
The reticular region
Describe the components and functions of the hypodermis
Hypodermis is the bottom layer of skin. Attaches the skin to underlying tissues
and organs.
It has many functions, including insulating your body, protecting your body from harm, storing energy and connecting your skin to your muscles and bones.
Describe the structure and function of the hair
The parts of a hair include:
* The shaft (above the skin surface)
* The follicle (below the level of the skin)
* A root that penetrates into the dermis
Function:
*Protection (e.g., from UV radiation, foreign particles in the nasal passage and ears). *Sensory function – feel light touch. *Thermoregulation – trap of warm air close to the skin. *Communication – different hair styles, colors, etc.
Describe the life cycle of the hair
Anagen phase: Connected to blood vessel through papilla attachment
Catagen Phase: Hair follicles regresses
Telogen Phase: No connection to root, hair loss occurs.
Name and describe the major glands in the integumentary system
Sudoriferous glands produce sweat and genital secretions.
Ceruminous glands produce ear wax.
Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum.
Describe wound healing and differentiate between the two major types
Three major stages of wound healing:
1. Inflammation
2. Proliferative
3. Remodeling
Two kinds of wound-healing processes can occur, depending on the depth of the injury.
- Epidermal wound healing occurs following superficial wounds that affect only the epidermis.
*Deep wound healing occurs when an injury extends to the dermis and subcutaneous layer.
Explain what causes aging in the integumentary system
The integumentary system changes with age:
* Wrinkles develop.
* Dehydration and cracking occurs. * Sweat production decreases.
* A decrease in the numbers of functional melanocytes results in gray hair and atypical skin pigmentation.
* Subcutaneous fat is lost, and there is a general decrease in skin thickness.
* Nails may also become more brittle.
Describe the classification of burns
Burns are graded according to severity:
- First-degree burn (sunburn - epidermis)
- Second-degree burn (blisters - Epidermis & Dermis)
- Third-degree burn (through all 3 layers of the skin including subcutaneous layer)
