Body Systems: Integumentary Flashcards
(116 cards)
integumentary system is comprised of:
skin, accessory organs (hair, nails, associated glands)
skin
- largest organ of human body (17-20 sq ft)
- regulates temp
- receptors sense touch, pressure, pain, and temperature
- aids in excretion of urea and uric acids
- synthesizes vitamin D (thru sunlight exposure)
- protects body from: trauma, infections, damage, toxic chemicals, dehydration
3 structural layers of skin
- epidermis
- dermis
- subcutaneous layer
epidermis
- outer layer of skin
- thin, cellular, multilayered membrane
- responsible for production of keratin (protein for durability + water retention) and melanin (pigment)
dermis
- middle layer of skin
- dense, fibrous layer of connective tissue
- responsible for strength of collagen and elasticity/flexibility from elastin
- various sensory receptors hat provide info about external environment
- sebaceous glands: oil glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum (omg) to lubricate, moistens skin as well as moderate antibacterial + anti fungal effects
subcutaneous layer
thick and fat section (adipose tissue) that insulates body against heat loss
common symptoms that require med attention
- cutaneous lesions/eruptions
- pruritus (itching)
- pain
- edema (swelling)
- erythema (redness)
- inflammation
cyanosis
blue tint to skin, caused by deficiency of O2 in circulating blood
jaundice
yellow discolouration of skin and whites of eyes, caused by impaired liver and allows bile to accumulate and stain the skin
erythema
abnormal redness of skin, caused by increased blood flow and dilated blood vessels close to skin’s surface
pallor
pale skin, caused by decreased blood flow
hematoma
bruising, bluish, black or yellow mark on skin indicating breakdown of clotted blood under skin
shape and colour of nails provide info:
- clubbing or enlargement of ends of nails due to long term O2 deficiency
- pale nails may be a sign of anemia
- flat on conch nail beds may indicate iron deficiency
- cyanosis of nails is the first visible sign of iron deficiency
diagnostic procedures include:
- microscopic examination of skin scrapings
- cultures, DNA testing, antigens, antibodies may be used to identify causative organism in infectious diseases
hypersensitivity skin disorders
- complete medical history including prior outbreaks and their location helps identify allergen
- sensitivity or blood testing for antibodies to identify allergen
biopsies
- used to diagnose benign tumours or skin cancer
types of biopsies
- punch: round shape knife is rotated through the epidermis/dermis into subcutaneous tissue
- incisional: scalpel is used to make a cut through the epidermis down to subcutaneous tissue
- total excision: removes entire lesion or tumour
skin lesions
- Macule (freckle): discoloured spot of skin
- wheal (hive): localized elevation of skin and causes itching
- papule (pimple): solid, elevated area on skin. nodule is a large papule
- vesicle (blister): small fluid sac
- pustule: small, elevated lesion filled with pus
- ulcer: area of skin where the surface has eroded
dermatitis
- inflammation of the skin occurs in many forms, manifested by the pruritus, erythema, and the appearance of various cutaneous lesions
- can be acute, sub acute, or chronic
- family history increase risk
- common types: seborrheic, contact, atopic (eczema me:( ) dermatitis
seborrheic dermatitis SS
- inflammation of sebaceous/oil glands
- Symptoms & Signs:
- gradual increase in the amount and charge in quality of sebum produced
- inflammation occurs in area with greatest # of sebaceous glands (scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of nose, behind ears, middle of chest)
- affected skin is reddened with yellowish, greasy appearing scales
- occurs at any age but common during infancy (cradle cap)
- occurs at a higher rate in adults with disorder of the central nervous system
seborrheic dermatitis patient screening
- gradual onset of disease
- increase of irritation
- earliest appointment made
seborrheic dermatitis etiology
- idiopathic
- emotional stress and hereditary may be precipitating factor
- may be intensified by pityrosporum (yeast-like organism this I normally found on skin in small #)
seborrheic dermatitis diagnosis + treatment
diagnosis: In rare cases where treatment is unresponsive, skin biopsy may be performed
treatment: low strength cortisone/hydrocortisone cream applied topically to affected area
contact dermatitis SS
acute inflammation response of skin triggers by an exogenous chemical, substance, or allergen
SS:
- actions of irritant on skin surface or contact with substances that cause an allergic response
- erythema, edema, small vesicles that ooze, itch, burb or sting