Functions and Structure of the Integumentary System

These flashcards cover the functions, structures, and disorders related to the integumentary system, designed to aid in studying for upcoming exams.

Temperature regulation

The function involving evaporation of perspiration and vasodilation or vasoconstriction to manage body heat.

Absorption

Medication delivery through a patch placed on the skin.

Protection

The body's first line of defense against harmful substances.

Vitamin D production

The process activated by sunlight or UV light.

Sensation

The ability to feel pain, cold, pressure, and heat.

Storage

The holding of glucose, water, fat, and salt in the subcutaneous layer.

Pigmentation

Provided by melanin within melanocytes, affecting skin color and UV protection.

Stratum corneum

The outer layer of the epidermis.

Dermal papillae

Ridges arising from the stratum germinativum.

Repair and regenerate

What the innermost layer of the epidermis does.

Melanin

The pigment in the stratum germinativum.

Melanocytes

Cells that contain the pigment giving skin color.

Subcutaneous layer (hypodermis)

The layer beneath the dermis.

Hair root

The part of the hair implanted in the skin.

Sweat glands

Primarily found in palms, soles, forehead, and armpits.

Hair shaft

The visible part of the hair.

Cuticle

The outer layer of the hair shaft.

Arrector pili muscle

The muscle that causes skin to pucker around hair in response to chills.

Sudoriferous glands

Medical term for sweat glands.

Bacteria

Substance mixed with secretions from sudoriferous glands to produce odor.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce oil for skin and hair.

Hair follicle

The hollow tube the hair root is implanted in.

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)

The innermost layer of the skin.

Nail bed

Layman's term for matrix.

Dermis

Layer of skin with most of the structures.

Appendages of the skin

Term for hair and nails.

Sebum

Substance secreted from sebaceous glands.

Fat (adipose tissue), blood vessels, and connective tissue

What the subcutaneous layer contains.

Vasoconstriction

Process blood vessels undergo to help conserve heat.

Keratin

Waterproof covering in the stratum corneum.

Papilla

Small tuft of tissue located at the bottom of the hair follicle.

Acne

A common, chronic disorder of sebaceous glands caused by over secretion of sebum.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin, often produces a rash.

First-degree burn

Superficial burn involving only the epidermis.

Second-degree burn

Burn causing blisters, involving epidermis and dermis.

Third-degree burn

Burn involving complete destruction of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers.

UV light exposure

Primary cause of skin cancer.

Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)

A contagious condition causing cracks and scaling, often contracted in public showers.

The skin is superficial to the muscle

Directional description of the skin to the muscle.

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted infection causing skin lesions in later stages.

Wart

Skin lesion removed using liquid nitrogen, caused by HPV.

Melanoma

Skin lesion with irregular borders, multiple colors and rapid increase in size, cause is UV light.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)

Cold sore or fever blister.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Viral infection affecting nerve endings.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Contagious bacteria causing infections that are difficult to treat.

Basal cell carcinoma

Most common but least malignant form of skin cancer.

Psoriasis

Chronic condition characterized by reddened patches and silvery scales.

Ringworm (Tinea corporis)

Highly contagious raised, itchy, circular patches of skin rash.

Scabies

Tiny itch mites that burrow under the skin.

Impetigo

Common in young children, characterized by acute inflammatory, contagious skin infection.

Rule of Nines

Method for physicians to determine the percentage of a burn.

Eschar

Medical term for blackened skin.

Cool with cold water

First aid response for a first-degree burn.

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm

Prevention through good hygiene, not sharing towels, and wearing shower shoes.