integumentary system

what is the integumentary system

your bodies outer layer

what is included in the integumentary system

skin, hair, nails and associated glands

what are the two main skin layers

epidermis (outer) and dermis (inner)

what is the main role of the epidermis

protection, keratinised barrier against injury, water loss and pathogens

what is the main role of the dermis

strength, elasticity, sensation, it also contains nerves, glands, blood vessels and follicles

what is the function of the skin

protection, sensation, temperature regulation, vitamin D production

what are the four key skin cells

keratinocytes, melanocytes, intraepidermal macrophages and tactile cells

what are keratinocytes

cells that produce keratin, which provides structure and waterproofing

what are melanocytes

cells that produce melanin, protect against UV radiation

what are intraepidermal macrophages

cells that are part of the immune defence in the skin

what are tactile cells

cells the detect touch and pressure

what is the main cause of aging skin

reduced collagen and elastic fibreswh

what is the result of aging skin

wrinkles, thinner skins, less sweat/oil and slower healing

what are some key skin cancer warning signs

moles changing shape, size, colour, bleeding, irregular boarders

what is necrotising fasciitis

rapid, severe bacterial infection causing tissue death

what is the main risk from burns

infection and severe fluid losswh

whare are three burn zones

coagulation (dead tissue), stasis (at risk) and hyperaemia (recovers)

what is the impact of systemic burn effects

fluid loss → hypovolaemic shock + inflammatory response → distributive shock

what is a 1st degree burn

red, painful, epidermis only

what is a 2nd degree burn

blistering, very painful, epidermis and dermis

what is a 3rd degree burn

white/black, painless centre (nerve distruction)

what is a 4th degree burn

extended into the muscle/bone, usually life threatening

what does burn severity depend on

depth, percentage of body covered, location, age, inhalation injury and other comorbidities.

what are the key dangerous burn locations

face, airway, hands, genitalia and major joints

what are high risk groups for burn injuries

very young, elderly and immunocompromised

what are signs of burn abuse

symmetrical burns, no splash marks, patterned burns, doughnut sign

what are the key rules for burn management

cool for 20 mins, dont use ice, cover with cling film to reduce fluid loss and infection, fluids (use JRCALC), watch for hypothermia and inhalation injury