Integumentary System: Dermis, Subcutaneous Layer, and Burns

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers anatomy of the dermis and subcutaneous layers, touch receptors, burn classifications, the Rule of Nines, and skin grafting techniques.

Collagen fibers

Fibers in the dermis that are very strong and resist stretching, but are easily bent or twisted.

Elastic fibers

Fibers in the dermis that permit stretching and then recoil to their original length.

Papillary layer

The layer of the dermis consisting of highly vascularized areolar tissue containing capillaries, lymphatic vessels, and sensory nerve fibers.

Dermal papillae

Projections of the dermis that project between the epidermal ridges.

Reticular layer

The layer of the dermis consisting of an interwoven meshwork of dense irregular connective tissue containing both collagen and elastic fibers.

Free nerve endings

Sensory receptors found between epidermal cells that are sensitive to touch and pressure.

Tactile discs

Receptors found in the deepest layer of the epidermis that detect sensations of texture and steady pressure.

Tactile (Meissner) corpuscles

Receptors found in the papillary layer of the dermis that detect sensations of delicate touch ("fine touch"), pressure, and vibration.

Lamellar (Pacinian) corpuscles

Receptors sensitive to deep pressure and vibration found in both dermal layers and the subcutaneous layer.

Bulbous (Ruffini) corpuscles

Receptors sensitive to pressure and stretching of the skin found in the reticular layer of the dermis.

Subcutaneous layer

A layer, not part of the skin, that stabilizes the skin's position relative to underlying tissues while permitting independent movement.

Adipocytes

Fat cells that often dominate the subcutaneous layer and serve to store energy.

Central adiposity

An excessive amount of abdominal fat that is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease.

Tension (cleavage) lines

Pattern of fiber bundles in the skin arranged in parallel to resist forces applied during normal movement.

First-degree burn

A burn where only the surface of the epidermis is affected, causing the skin to redden and become painful.

Erythema

A sign of redness resulting from inflammation of sun-damaged tissues.

Second-degree burn

A burn where the entire epidermis and perhaps some of the dermis are damaged, causing blistering, pain, and swelling.

Third-degree burn (Full-thickness burn)

A burn that destroys the epidermis and dermis and extends into the subcutaneous layer; often less painful because sensory nerves are destroyed.

Rule of nines

A clinical method of estimating the percentage of surface area affected by burns by dividing the adult body into multiples of $9$.

Sepsis

A widespread bacterial infection (meaning "rotting") which is the leading cause of death in burn victims.

Skin graft

A surgical procedure where areas of intact skin are transplanted to cover the site of a burn.

Split-thickness graft

A skin graft involving the transfer of the epidermis and superficial portions of the dermis.

Full-thickness graft

A skin graft involving the transfer of the epidermis and both layers of the dermis.

Autograft

A skin graft made with a patient's own undamaged skin.

Allograft

A temporary skin graft using frozen skin from a cadaver, usually rejected within $7-21$ days.

Xenograft

A temporary skin graft using animal skin.

Dermis

The layer of the integument situated between the epidermis and the subcutaneous layer.

Trunk (Rule of Nines - Adult)

Body region accounting for $36\%$ (front and back) of surface area in an adult.

Head (Rule of Nines - Child)

Body region accounting for $15\%$ of surface area in a child.

Hypodermic needles

Tools used for subcutaneous injections because the layer has no vital organs and capillaries are sparse.