Chapter 18: The Integumentary System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key integumentary terms, skin layers, conditions, wounds, and infections referenced in the lecture notes.

Bony prominences

Areas of the body where the bone lies close to the surface of the skin.

Bruise (contusion)

Purple, black, or blue skin discoloration caused by blood leaking from broken vessels into surrounding tissues.

Cellulitis

A bacterial skin infection that enters through a break in the skin and spreads in the underlying tissues.

Closed wound

A wound in which the skin’s surface remains unbroken.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin.

Dermis

The inner of the two main layers of tissue that compose the skin.

Epidermis

The outer of the two main layers of tissue that compose the skin.

Gangrene

Death of tissue caused by infection or lack of blood flow.

Integument

The body’s natural protective covering (skin).

Lesion

An area of abnormal tissue, injury, or wound.

Melanin

Pigment that gives skin its color.

Melanocyte

Skin cell that produces and contains the pigment melanin.

Necrosis

Death of living cells or tissues caused by disease or injury.

Open wound

A wound in which the skin’s surface is broken.

Pressure injuries (pressure sores / decubitus ulcers / bed sores)

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by shearing or prolonged pressure.

Pressure points

Body areas that bear the greatest amount of weight.

Psoriasis

Chronic skin condition where skin cells grow too quickly, causing red, white, or silver patches, itching, and discomfort.

Scabies

Contagious skin infection caused by mites burrowing into the skin, resulting in pimple-like irritations, rashes, intense itching, and sores.

Shearing

Rubbing or friction that occurs when the skin moves in one direction and the underlying bone stays fixed or moves oppositely.

Shingles

Viral infection (same virus as chickenpox) causing pain, itching, and rashes.

Sitz bath

Warm soak of the perineal area used to clean wounds and reduce inflammation and pain.

Skin cancer

Abnormal growth of skin cells.

Tinea corporis (ringworm)

Fungal infection producing red, scaly, ring-shaped patches, usually on the upper body or hands and feet.

Wart

Contagious hard bump on the skin caused by a virus.