The Integumentary System

Integumentary System

This system includes the skin and the many accessory structures in the skin, including the hair, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and nerve receptors.

How many layers does the skin have?

The skin has three layers. Starting at the exterior, the layers are the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layers.

What are some of the function of skin?

-Waterproofing of the body to prevent fluid loss

-Protecting the body from pathogens

-Sensing the sense of touch

-Synthesizing vitamin D using the sun’s ultraviolet light and screening out harmful radiation

-Secreting oil for lubrication and inhibition of bacterial growth on skin

-Regulating body temperature and water content through sweat

-Protecting the dorsal surface of the fingers and toes

Skin Pigmentation

Melanin and carotene are pigments that contribute to the skin.

What are three common diseases disorders of the sebaceous gland?

Acne vulgaris, seborrhea, and seborrheic keratosis

Acne Vulgaris

A chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pustule eruptions of the skin. Generally caused by overproduction of sebum produced around the root of the hair in the hair follicle. It is commonly triggered by hormones during puberty.

Seborrhea

The overactivity of the sebaceous glands. It results in production of an excessive amount of sebum. When the sebaceous gland becomes infected, it is termed seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic Keratosis

A benign skin growth. It is waxy in appearance. These growths can vary in color from light tan to black. They occur most commonly in the elderly

What are three common conditions of the nail?

Onychia, Onychocryptosis, and Onychomycosis

Onychia (or onychitis)

An inflammation of the bed of the fingernail or toenail. The nail typically falls off.

Onychocryptosis

Commmonly known as an ingrown toenail. The edges of the nail curve inward and cut into the skin resulting in inflammation and often infection.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the nail and can be caused by several different fungi. The nail can turn white, green, black, or yellow and often become thick and brittle.

What are five common types of skin infections?

Mycosis, tinea, impetigo, gangrene, and parasitic infestations.

Mycosis

An abnormal skin condition caused by a fungus.

Tinea

An infection in the skin, hair, or nails and is commonly called ringworm.

Impetigo

A highly contagious bacterial infection that occurs sometimes in children. It causes pustules that become crusted and then rupture.

Gangrene

Refers to death of tissue mainly caused by loss of circulation to the area.

Parasitic Infestation

Refers to the dwelling of microscopic parasites on the surface of the skin.

Surface Lesions

Fluid-filled sacs or pockets in the skin

What are common types of surface lesions?

Crust (or Scab), macule, weal, nodule, and exudate

Crust (or scab)

A collection of dried serum and cellular debris after an injury

Macule

A discolored flat spot less than 1 cm diameter. Ex. freckles and flat moles

Weal

A smooth, slightly elevated, swollen area that is more red or paler than the surround the skin. Usually itch.

Nodule

A solid, raised lesion larger than .5cm in diameter. They can cause scarring.

Exudate

Is the fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of an infected wound.

What is Psioriasis?

This is a common skin disorder resulting in flareups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, or buttock.

What are 4 common pigment conditions?

Acanthosis nigricans, albinism, chloasma, and vitiligo

Acanthosis Nigricans

A condition characterized by areas of the skin that develop dark, wart-like patches.

Albinism

A genetic condition where there is a deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin as well as hair and irises of the eyes.

Chloasma

A pigmentation disorder characterized by brown spots on the face often occurring in pregnancy after delivery.

Vitiligo

A a condition that results from a destruction of the melanocytes. Causes irregular patches of white skin.

What are 3 common hair conditions?

Alopecia, folliculitis, and hirsutism

Alopecia

The partial or complete loss of hair, or baldness.

Folliculitis

An inflammation of the hair follicle. Common cause is bacteria found in poorly chlorinated hot tubs and whirlpools

Hirsutism

The presence of excessive body and facial hair in women. Hereditary or hormone unbalance.

What are 5 common conditions of bleeding under the skin?

Contusion, Ecchymosis (or bruise), hematoma, petechiae (plural), and purpura.

Contusion

A an injury to the skin without breaking the skin surface.

Ecchymosis (Or Bruise)

An area of purplish color caused by bleeding under the skin from a hit or bump.

Hematoma

A swelling of clotted blood in the tissue typically caused by a forceful injury to the tissue.

Petechiae (Plural)

Very small hemorrhages less than 2mm in diameter.

Purpura

Refers to the purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin. Without forceful injury.

What is dermatitis?

Inflammation of the skin. The skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy.

What are 3 common dermatitis conditions?

Contact dermatitis, eczema, and exfoliative dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis

Results from contact with an irritant or allergen.

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis)

Is persistent or reoccurring dermatitis resulting redness, itching, and dryness. The skin can also blister, crack, ooze, or bleed.

Exfoliative Dermatitis

Is a widespread scaling of the skin. It often comes with hair loss, erythroderma (redness), and pruritis (itching)

What three common lesions through the skin?

Fissure, ulcer, pressure sore (decubitus ulcer)

Fissure

A groove or crack in the skin

Ulcer

An open lesion resulting in tissue loss around the edges.

Pressure Sore (or decubitus ulcer or bed sore

It is an open ulcerated wound caused by prolonged pressure on the area of skin.