Integumentary

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts of the integumentary system, its functions, disorders, and associated treatments.

What are the main functions of the integumentary system?

Protects the body from pathogens, regulates temperature, senses environmental changes, and maintains water balance.

What are the layers of the skin?

Hypodermis (inner), Dermis (middle), Epidermis (outer).

What is keratin?

A protein that strengthens the skin.

What is the purpose of melanin in the skin?

It protects the skin by providing pigment.

What do sebaceous glands produce?

Sebum, which moisturizes and protects the skin.

What are eccrine glands?

Sweat glands that secrete through skin pores in response to the sympathetic nervous system.

What are apocrine glands?

Sweat glands that open into hair follicles in the axillae, scalp, face, and external genitalia.

What are congenital integumentary disorders?

Disorders present at birth, such as birthmarks and disorders of melanin.

What are the two types of birthmarks?

Vascular birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks.

What characterizes a vascular birthmark?

It consists of blood vessels that have not formed correctly.

What is a macular stain?

A type of vascular birthmark also known as salmon patches, often fading by age 2.

What is a hemangioma?

A bright red patch of extra blood vessels in the skin that may be superficial or deep.

What are port-wine stains?

Discolorations resembling spilled wine that can occur anywhere on the body.

What are café au lait spots?

Pigmented birthmarks that appear coffee-colored and may increase in number with age.

What is albinism?

A recessive genetic condition resulting in little or no melanin production.

What do melanin deficits cause in albinism?

A lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and iris.

What is vitiligo?

A condition characterized by small areas of hypopigmentation due to the death of melanin-producing cells.

What is atopic dermatitis?

A chronic inflammatory skin condition also known as eczema.

What triggers allergic contact dermatitis?

Metals, chemicals, adhesives, and plants, leading to type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

What are common triggers for psoriasis?

Bacterial infections, dry skin, stress, certain medications, and alcohol.

What characterizes second-degree burns?

They affect the epidermis and dermis, causing pain, erythema, edema, and blistering.

What is the first sign of necrotizing fasciitis?

A small, reddish, and painful area that evolves rapidly.

What is impetigo?

A common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that typically begins as small vesicles.

What does cellulitis manifest as?

A swollen, tender area of erythema indicating deeper skin infection.

What is herpes simplex type 1?

A viral infection typically affecting the lips, mouth, and face.

What is shingles?

A viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes painful rash.

What is the significance of a mole?

Also called congenital nevi, moles should be monitored for cancerous changes.

What do skin tags indicate?

A benign growth commonly associated with aging.

What type of skin cells does psoriasis affect?

Keratinocytes, leading to a significantly increased life cycle.

What can trigger exacerbations of atopic dermatitis?

Dry skin, stress, and exposure to irritants.

What are systemic signs of bacterial infections?

Fever, leukocytosis, malaise, and arthralgia.

What is the treatment approach for psoriasis?

A multipronged approach including topical treatments and phototherapy.

What is the most common skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma.

What symptom indicates skin cancer?

Asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter larger than 6mm.

What is the primary risk factor for skin cancer?

UV exposure.

What is the treatment for severe bacterial skin infections?

Antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical interventions.

What characterizes a first-degree burn?

Affect the epidermis and cause pain, erythema, and edema.

What is the treatment for contact dermatitis?

Identifying and removing the causative agent, applying wet compresses, and using anti-inflammatory creams.

What are pressure injuries?

Soft-tissue injuries resulting from unrelieved mechanical pressure.

What is the primary treatment for pressure injuries?

Reduce pressure on the area, manage the wound, and support nutritional needs.

What is the significance of lentigines?

They are large pigmented spots that may appear in sun-exposed areas with aging.

What is the appearance of psoriatic papules?

Small, red papules that may evolve into various types of lesions.

What is the function of sweat glands?

To help regulate body temperature and excrete waste.

What is the role of the dermis?

To provide skin strength and elasticity through connective tissue.

How does aging impact the integumentary system?

Causes decreased sensations, reduced elasticity, and slower healing.

What is the risk factor for melanin-related disorders?

Diversity in skin types and exposure to sunlight.

What complications arise from severe viral infections like herpes zoster?

Neuralgia and potential blindness.