Disorders of the Integumentary System

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terminology related to disorders of the integumentary system.

Integumentary System

The organ system that includes the skin and its appendages, which protect the body and regulate temperature.

Epidermis

The superficial outer layer of skin.

Dermis

The true skin layer beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Hypodermis

The innermost layer of the skin located beneath the dermis. It consists primarily of loose connective tissue and fat cells (adipocytes), providing insulation, cushioning, and energy storage. It also anchors the skin to underlying structures, such as muscles and bones, while allowing for skin mobility. It plays a crucial role in thermoregulation and serves as a reservoir for blood vessels and nerves.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin.

Eccrine Glands

Sweat glands that help regulate body temperature and are found all over the body. More in number, less production in sweat. Not part of hair follicle and produce a watery secretion directly onto the skin surface.

Apocrine Glands

Sweat glands located in specific areas of the body that become active at puberty, often associated with hair follicles. They produce a thicker, milky secretion that can lead to body odor when broken down by bacteria. Fewer in number.

Primary Skin Lesion

An initial abnormal physical change in skin color or structure that develops directly from previously healthy skin.

Pressure Injury

Injury resulting from unrelieved pressure that occludes blood supply.

Dermatitis

General term for skin irritation and inflammation that can be caused by allergies or irritants. Often characterized by itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin that can vary in severity and may require topical treatments or avoidance of triggers.

Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune disease causing the immune system to accelerate skin cell growth, resulting in inflamed, scaly patches.

Alopecia

Loss of hair from the head or body caused by genetic, hormonal, or autoimmune factors.

Cutaneous Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels in the skin, often resulting in a reddish-purple rash.

Pruritus

The medical term for itching, often associated with skin conditions.

Scleroderma

A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production leading to hardened skin.

Hirsutism

Abnormal hair growth and distribution, often related to hormonal disorders.

Skin Biopsy

A diagnostic procedure where a small section of skin is removed for examination.

Nail Matrix

The tissue beneath the base of the nail that produces the nail itself.

Infection Cultures

Tests used to identify infectious agents by growing them from skin samples.

Blood Supply of Skin

The skin receives its blood supply primarily through a network of blood vessels in the dermis, including arterioles and plexi (vascular networks). These vessels are essential for thermoregulation. During heat exposure, dilation of arterioles increases blood flow to the skin's surface, allowing heat dissipation. Conversely, when it is cold, constriction of arterioles reduces blood flow, conserving body heat. The sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in regulating these responses, controlling both the constriction and dilation of arterioles in the skin to maintain homeostasis.

Macule

A flat, distinct, discolored area of skin that is less than 1 centimeter wide, not raised or depressed compared to the surrounding skin.

Patch

A large macule, greater than 1 centimeter in diameter, that is flat and formed by a change in skin color.

Papule

A small, raised, solid pimple or swelling on the skin, typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Plaque

A raised, flat-topped lesion that is greater than 1 centimeter in diameter, often formed by the confluence of papules.

Nodule

A solid, raised skin lesion that is deeper than a papule and greater than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Vesicle

A small, fluid-filled blister that is less than 1 centimeter in diameter.

Bullae

A large blister, greater than 1 centimeter in diameter, filled with clear fluid.

Pustule

A small, raised lesion filled with pus, typically resulting from infection or inflammation.

Wheal

A raised, itchy area of skin that is often a result of an allergic reaction or hives, characterized by its transient nature.

Scale

A flaky, thin piece of skin that has detached from the epidermis, often seen in conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

Crust

A dried collection of serum, pus, or blood on the skin surface, often seen in conditions like impetigo.

Erosion

A loss of part of the epidermis, resulting in a depressed area that is moist but does not bleed, often seen after a blister has burst.

Ulcer

A deeper loss of skin that extends into the dermis or deeper layers, often painful and can be chronic.

Fissure

A linear crack in the skin that may extend into the dermis, often associated with dry skin or infections.

Atrophy

Thinning of the skin with loss of skin markings, which can result from aging, certain diseases, or medications.

Sclerosis

A hardening or thickening of the skin, often seen in scleroderma and other connective tissue disorders.

Keloid

A raised scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound, often following surgery or injury.

Scar

A mark left on the skin after the healing of a wound, consisting of fibrous tissue that has replaced normal skin.

Contact Dermatitis

A type of dermatitis caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin.

Atopic Dermatitis

Also known as eczema, this chronic condition is characterized by dry, itchy skin and is often associated with allergies and asthma.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

A common form of eczema that affects oily areas of the body, leading to red, flaky patches and dandruff, typically found on the scalp, face, and upper body.

Stasis Dermatitis

Occurs when fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, often associated with varicose veins, resulting in swelling, redness, and itching.

Nummular Dermatitis

A type of dermatitis characterized by circular, coin-shaped patches of itchy, scaly skin, often exacerbated by dry skin conditions.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

A form of dermatitis that causes small, itchy blisters, usually on the hands and feet, often triggered by exposure to water or heat.

Perioral Dermatitis

A facial rash around the mouth and eyes, often associated with topical steroids and characterized by red, bumpy, or pustular lesions.

Topical Corticosteroids

Medications applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and relieve itching in various types of dermatitis.

Emollients

Moisturizers that help to soothe and hydrate the skin, preventing dryness and irritation, commonly used in eczema treatment.

Antihistamines

Oral medications that can help alleviate itching and discomfort associated with dermatitis by blocking histamine reactions.

Phototherapy

A treatment involving exposure to ultraviolet light, beneficial for severe dermatitis cases like psoriasis and eczema.

Immunomodulators

Topical medications that modify immune responses, used for conditions like atopic dermatitis when corticosteroids are ineffective.

Antibiotics

Medications prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections that may develop due to scratching in dermatitis.

Wet Wrap Therapy

A specialized treatment involving the application of wet bandages over moisturizers to enhance skin hydration and reduce itching.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in habits such as avoiding known irritants, implementing stress management techniques, and adopting a skin care routine to minimize dermatitis flare-ups.

Pityriasis Rosea

A common skin condition characterized by a large, scaly, pink patch followed by smaller patches, often resolving without treatment.

Lichen Planus

An inflammatory skin condition causing purplish, itchy, flat-topped bumps, often occurring on wrists, ankles, and mucous membranes.

Acne Vulgaris

A skin condition involving the clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, and cysts, commonly seen in adolescents.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

A chronic skin condition characterized by painful lumps under the skin, often in regions with hair follicles, leading to abscesses and scarring.

Acne Rosacea

A chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, typically affecting adults.

Urticaria

Also known as hives, urticaria is a skin reaction characterized by raised, itchy welts, often triggered by allergens, stress, medication, or infections.