Trail Guide to the Body - Textural Differences of Structures (Foundation Q&A)

Flashcards covering the unique textures and palpation characteristics of major body tissues from the 'Trail Guide to the Body' lecture notes.

What is the skin’s size and weight in adults?

It covers ~19 square feet and weighs ~10% of body weight.

How thin can the skin be in certain regions?

As thin as 1/20 inch, with eyelids even thinner (<1/500 inch).

How does the texture of skin vary across the body?

It varies in thickness and flexibility, with dorsal hand skin thin and pliable, and palmar skin thicker and tougher.

What distinguishes bones from other tissues during palpation?

Bones feel solid and rigid, unlike muscles that can shift or change firmness.

Can other tissues mimic the feel of bone?

Yes, contracted muscle bellies and tendons can feel firm, but bones remain constant in texture.

What analogy is used to describe muscle structure?

Like an orange: epimysium surrounds the whole, perimysium divides into wedges, endomysium covers individual fibers.

What are three palpation characteristics of muscle tissue?

1) Striated texture, 2) Fibrous quality, 3) Direction of fibers felt as bundles.

How do tendons differ from muscle?

Tendons are smoother and less fibrous, attaching muscle to bone.

What is the role of tendons?

They connect muscle to bone via the periosteum.

What is the texture of tendons?

Smooth, taut, tough, and cable-like.

What is an aponeurosis?

A broad, flat tendon (e.g., galea aponeurotica of the skull).

What is the function of ligaments?

They connect bone to bone, stabilizing joints.

How do ligaments feel compared to tendons?

They feel denser, taut, with varied fiber directions.

How can ligaments be distinguished from tendons during palpation?

Ligaments remain taut regardless of muscle contraction, unlike tendons.

What are the two main types of fascia?

Superficial fascia (beneath the skin, with adipose, vessels, and nerves) and deep fascia (around muscles, separating groups).

What is the palpation quality of fascia?

It may feel thin and pliable (back of hand) or thick (sole of foot). Deep fascia feels denser and surrounds muscle fibers.

What is a retinaculum?

A transverse thickening of deep fascia that straps down tendons to hold them in place.

How do retinacula differ from tendons?

Their fibers run perpendicular to deeper tendons and are broader bands of fascia.

How can arteries and veins be distinguished by palpation?

Arteries have a palpable pulse; veins do not.

Why is artery location important in palpation?

To avoid compressing vital blood flow (e.g., carotid artery).

What is a bursa?

A fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between structures such as tendon and bone.

When is a bursa palpable?

When inflamed (bursitis), it may feel tender and swollen with crepitus.

What is the palpation quality of nerves?

Tube-shaped, mobile, tender when compressed, and produce shooting sensations if impinged.

Why should palpation of nerves be minimized?

Because compression may cause discomfort or nerve injury.

What do lymph nodes do?

They collect and filter lymphatic fluid from vessels.

What do healthy lymph nodes feel like?

Roundish, slightly movable, nontender, and small (pea to almond size).

Where are lymph nodes commonly palpable?

Neck, axilla, and groin.

What type of tissue is adipose?

Loose connective tissue found beneath the skin and around organs.

What is the palpation quality of adipose?

Gelatinous, yielding, and easy to sink fingers into before reaching deeper structures.