Integumentary System

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, clinical pathologies, and aging effects of the integumentary system based on lecture notes.

What are the three major regions of the skin?

The Epidermis (outer protective shield), the Dermis ('True Skin'), and the Hypodermis (subcutaneous adipose tissue).

Which layers of the epidermis are found ONLY in thick skin, such as the palms and soles?

Stratum Lucidum.

List the five layers of the epidermis from the most superficial to the deepest.

1. Stratum Corneum, 2. Stratum Lucidum, 3. Stratum Granulosum, 4. Stratum Spinosum, 5. Stratum Basale.

What is the primary function of Keratinocytes and what connects them?

They produce keratin for protection and waterproofing and are tightly bound by Desmosomes.

Which epidermal cells act as macrophages to activate the immune system?

Dendritic (Langerhans) Cells.

Describe the function and location of Tactile (Merkel) Cells.

They are spiky hemisphere-shaped cells in the epidermis that function as sensory receptors for touch, linked to a Merkel Disc.

What are the two layers of the dermis and their respective tissue types?

The Papillary Layer (Areolar Connective Tissue) and the Reticular Layer (Dense Irregular Connective Tissue).

What are cleavage lines and what is their clinical significance?

They are separations between bundles of collagen fibers; surgeons cut parallel to these lines to reduce scarring.

Identify the three pigments that contribute to skin color.

Melanin (yellow to black), Carotene (yellow to orange), and Hemoglobin (pink to red).

What is cyanosis and what does it indicate?

A blue tint to the skin or nail beds caused by poorly oxygenated hemoglobin, often indicating hypoxia.

Name the three phases of the hair growth cycle and their durations.

Anagen (growth, $2-6$ years), Catagen (transition, $2-3$ weeks), and Telogen (resting, $3$ months).

Match the nail clinical signs with their potential health indicators: Clubbing, Spoon Nails (Koilonychia), and Beau's Lines.

Clubbing indicates chronic lung/heart disease; Spoon Nails indicate iron deficiency anemia; Beau's Lines indicate severe illness or trauma.

Differentiate between Eccrine and Apocrine sweat glands.

Eccrine glands are for thermoregulation and open to pores; Apocrine glands are in axillary/anogenital areas, secrete viscous sweat, and begin functioning at puberty.

What is the mechanism of secretion for Sebaceous Glands?

Holocrine secretion, where cells accumulate lipids until they burst.

How does the skin respond to hyperthermia (increased body temperature)?

Dermal blood vessels undergo vasodilation to increase blood flow and radiate heat, and sweat glands activate for evaporative cooling.

Outline the metabolic synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin.

Sunlight ($UVB$) converts cholesterol ($7-dehydrocholesterol$) into Vitamin $D_3$ (Cholecalciferol), which is eventually converted by the liver and kidneys into Calcitriol.

What is the most common but least malignant form of skin cancer?

Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Explain the ABCDE rule used for recognizing melanoma.

$A$: Asymmetry; $B$: Border Irregularity; $C$: Color (multiple); $D$: Diameter (larger than $6\,mm$); $E$: Evolution (changing over time).

Compare the depth and symptoms of second-degree versus third-degree burns.

Second-degree involves the epidermis and upper dermis with redness and blisters; third-degree involves the entire skin thickness, appears gray-white or blackened, and is painless due to destroyed nerve endings.

According to the Rule of Nines, what is the combined percentage for the front and back of the trunk?

$36\%$ ($18\%$ anterior and $18\%$ posterior).

What are the three stages of wound healing?

1. Inflammation (blood clot forms), 2. Organization (granulation tissue and angiogenesis), 3. Regeneration and Fibrosis (epithelium grows back and scar tissue forms).

What is the characteristic symptom of Psoriasis?

Red plaques covered with silvery scales, caused by rapid overproduction of skin cells.

Which bacterium is often the cause of Acne Vulgaris and Impetigo?

Acne is caused by Cutibacterium acnes; Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.

What assessment tool is used to evaluate the risk of pressure ulcers (bedsores)?

The Braden Scale.