Integumentary System and Skin Integrity

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering skin structures, sensory receptors, accessory organs, skin abnormalities, burns, and wound healing processes.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin composed of epithelial cells, containing four to five structural layers.

Dermis

The inner layer of the skin composed of connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers, divided into papillary and reticular regions.

Subcutaneous Layer

Also called the hypodermis, this layer is located underneath the dermis and attaches the skin to underlying tissues and organs.

Keratinocytes

Epidermal cells that produce keratin, a tough fibrous protein that provides protection against heat, microbes, and chemicals.

Melanocytes

Epidermal cells located in the stratum basale that synthesize the pigment melanin to protect skin cells from UV light.

Intraepidermal Macrophages

Epidermal cells, also called Langerhans cells, that participate in immune responses against invading microbes.

Tactile Epithelial Cells

Epidermal cells, also called Merkel cells, located in the deepest layer of the epidermis that function in the sensation of touch.

Stratum Basale

The deepest epidermal layer consisting of a single row of stem cells that continuously divide to produce new keratinocytes.

Stratum Spinosum

An epidermal layer several cells thick where keratinocytes are connected by desmosomes, giving cells a spiny appearance and providing strength.

Stratum Granulosum

An epidermal layer where keratinocytes flatten and accumulate keratohyalin granules and lamellar bodies for waterproofing.

Stratum Lucidum

A thin, transparent layer of dead keratinocytes filled with eleidin, present only in thick skin like the palms and soles.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis composed of dead, flattened keratinized cells (corneocytes) that protect against abrasion and pathogens.

Thick Skin

Hairless skin found on the palms, palmar surfaces of digits, and soles, containing all five epidermal strata.

Thin Skin

Hairy skin covering most of the body except the palms and soles, lacking a stratum lucidum.

Eumelanin

A type of melanin pigment that imparts brown to black color to skin and hair.

Pheomelanin

A type of melanin pigment that imparts yellow to red color to skin and hair.

Carotene

A yellow-orange pigment stored in the stratum corneum and fatty areas of the skin, conspicuous in calluses.

Hemoglobin

An oxygen-carrying red pigment in red blood cells that imparts a pink or red shade to skin depending on dermal capillary blood flow.

Albinism

A congenital disorder characterized by absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes due to an enzymatic defect.

Vitiligo

A chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes patches of depigmentation.

Papillary Region

The superficial region of the dermis containing dermal papillae that form dermal ridges responsible for fingerprints.

Reticular Region

The deep region of the dermis consisting of dense irregular connective tissue that provides extensibility and elasticity.

Free Nerve Endings

Sensory receptors located in the epidermis and dermis that detect pain, temperature, and crude touch.

Merkel Discs

Sensory receptors located in the stratum basale of the epidermis that detect light touch and texture.

Meissner's Corpuscles

Sensory receptors located in dermal papillae that detect fine touch and low-frequency vibration.

Pacinian Corpuscles

Sensory receptors located deep in the dermis or hypodermis that detect deep pressure and high-frequency vibration.

Ruffini Endings

Sensory receptors located deep in the dermis that sense skin stretch and sustained pressure.

Krause End Bulbs

Sensory receptors found in dermal mucous membranes and lips that detect cold sensations and light touch.

Hair Follicle Receptors

Sensory nerve endings surrounding hair follicles that detect hair movement and light touch.

Sebaceous Glands

Oil glands associated with hair follicles in the dermis that secrete sebum to lubricate hair and skin.

Eccrine Sweat Glands

Simple coiled tubular glands widely distributed across skin that produce watery sweat for thermoregulation and excretion.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Large coiled tubular glands located in the axilla, groin, and beard regions that produce thick sweat containing proteins and lipids during emotional stress.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified apocrine glands located in the external ear canal that secrete cerumen (earwax) to protect the canal.

Mammary Glands

Modified apocrine compound alveolar glands located in the breasts that produce milk to nourish infants.

Eponychium

Also called the cuticle, a fold of stratum corneum extending over the proximal border of the nail body.

Lunula

The thick, crescent-shaped white region located at the proximal end of the nail body.

Nail Matrix

The epithelium proximal to the nail root containing dividing cells that produce new nail growth.

Hyponychium

The region of thickened stratum corneum beneath the free edge that secures the nail to the fingertip.

Onychogryphosis

A nail deformity characterized by a thickened, yellow-brown, opaque, curved nail caused by chronic trauma, pressure, or aging.

Onycholysis

A condition in which the nail plate detaches or separates from the nail bed.

Paronychia

An inflammation or infection around the skin folds of the nail presenting with swelling, redness, tenderness, and pus.

Abrasion

A superficial scrape or wound on the skin caused by friction rubbing off outer layers.

Laceration

A deep cut or tear in skin tissues caused by sharp edges or objects.

Puncture

A small, deep hole in the skin caused by a long, pointed object such as a nail.

Avulsion

An injury involving the partial or complete tearing away of skin and underlying tissue.

Malignant Melanoma

A dangerous form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes, associated with excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure.

First-Degree Burn

A superficial burn involving only the epidermis, causing redness and pain without blistering.

Second-Degree Burn

A burn that destroys the epidermis and part of the dermis, characterized by pain, edema, and blistering.

Third-Degree Burn

A full-thickness burn that completely destroys the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.

Rule of Nines

A quick assessment method used to estimate total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns in adults in multiples of $9\%$ or $4.5\%$.

Hemostasis Stage

The first phase of deep wound healing focused on blood coagulation and platelet aggregation to stop bleeding.

Inflammatory Stage

The second phase of wound healing where immune cells clear debris and bacteria to prevent infection.

Proliferative Stage

The third phase of wound healing characterized by granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and epithelial resurfacing.

Maturation Stage

The final stage of wound healing involving collagen remodeling and scar tissue formation.

Primary Intention

Wound closure where edges are closed immediately using sutures, staples, or glue, leading to rapid healing and minimal scarring.

Secondary Intention

Wound healing process where edges are not approximated, and tissue fills in from the bottom up via granulation, producing a larger scar.

Tertiary Intention

Delayed wound closure where an infected or contaminated wound is initially left open and sutured closed at a later time.

Braden Skin Assessment

An evidence-based scoring tool with values ranging from $9$ to $23$ used by nurses to predict a patient's risk of developing pressure injuries.