Integumentary System Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the integumentary system, focusing on skin structure, functions, common conditions, and assessment methods.

Integumentary System

The system that includes the skin, hair, and nails.

Epidermis

The uppermost thin layer of skin made of closely packed epithelial cells.

Dermis

The inner thick layer of skin that houses blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve fibers.

Hypodermis

The layer beneath the dermis that contains connective tissue and adipose tissue to connect the skin to underlying structures.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin its color and protects against UV radiation.

Freckles

Irregular accumulations of melanocytes in the skin.

ABCDE mnemonic

A guideline for identifying signs of melanoma: Asymmetrical, Borders, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Keratin

A protein found in hair that provides structure and protection.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance meant to lubricate skin and hair.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands that produce hypotonic sweat for thermoregulation and are primarily located on palms, soles, and forehead.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands found in hairy areas that secrete thicker sweat containing organic compounds.

Lesion

An area of abnormal tissue.

Acne

A skin disturbance typically occurring on areas rich in sebaceous glands, often due to hormonal changes.

Eczema

A chronic inflammatory skin condition also known as atopic dermatitis.

Lymphedema

Swelling due to accumulation of lymph fluid often after lymph node removal.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and sclera due to excess bilirubin in the body.

Pressure Injuries

Localized damage to skin or underlying soft tissue, usually over bony prominence, caused by pressure.

Melanoma

A type of skin cancer characterized by uncontrolled growth of melanocytes.

Tinea

A group of fungal infections, including ringworm and athlete's foot.

Surgical Site Infection (SSI)

An infection that occurs at the site of a surgical procedure.

Debridement

The process of removing dead or damaged tissue from a wound.

Granulation Tissue

New connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surface of a wound during the healing process.

Biofilm

A slimy layer formed by bacteria that may cover a wound and impede healing.

Capillary Refill Test

A test to evaluate blood flow to the tissue by measuring the time for color to return to an area after pressure is applied.

Braden Scale

A tool used to assess a patient's risk of developing pressure injuries.

Keloid

A raised scar caused by an overproduction of collagen during wound healing.