Integumentary System Recording (W2025)

Clinical Questions and Importance of Medical Terminology

• Medical terminology is crucial for clear communication among health professionals.

• Clinical Case Study: After a car accident, paramedics noted bruising in the left lumbar and umbilical regions. Patient experienced pain in upper left quadrant (area under the ribs on the left side).

  • Lumbar Region: Relates to the lower back.

  • Umbilical Region: Refers to the area around the belly button.

• Using medical terms allows for concise descriptions of conditions and areas, aiding in faster diagnosis and treatment.

Body Systems Overview

• The course focuses on body systems, covering one system per class.

• Emphasis on understanding regions of the body and medical terminology for effective communication.

Integumentary System

• The integumentary system comprises skin and related structures (hair, nails, glands).

  • Protects internal organs and regulates temperature.

  • Contains sensory receptors detecting hot, cold, touch, and pain.

• Skin Structure:

  • Layers:

    • Epidermis: Outermost layer, controls water loss, contains dead cells that provide protection.

    • Dermis: Contains blood vessels, hair follicles, glands, and connective tissues.

    • Hypodermis: Subcutaneous layer that stores fat and provides insulation.

• Functions of Skin:

  • Protection against microorganisms and moisture loss.

  • Regulation of body temperature via blood vessels and sweat glands.

  • Sensory information collection.

  • Excretion of waste through sweat.

  • Vitamin D production via UV exposure.

• Glands:

  • Sebaceous Glands: Connected to hair follicles, secretes sebum for moisture.

  • Sudoriferous (Sweat) Glands: Two types - eccrine (spread throughout the body, primarily for cooling) and apocrine (located in armpits and groin, activated at puberty).

Membranes in the Body

• Epithelial Membranes: Includes cutaneous membranes (skin), serous membranes (lining body cavities), and mucous membranes (lining tracts).

  • Cutaneous Membrane: Protective skin covering.

  • Serous Membranes: Double-layered membranes around organs (visceral and parietal layers).

  • Mucous Membranes: Lining inside of organs, secreting mucus for protection and lubrication.

• Connective Tissue Membranes: Supportive structures (e.g., fascia, meninges covering the brain, and synovial membranes in joints).

Aging and Skin Changes

• As humans age, skin becomes thinner, loses collagen and elastin, and decreases moisture retention.

• Aging skin is more susceptible to bruises and injuries due to reduced fat and less elasticity.

• Melanin production decreases, leading to lighter skin and hair.

Hair and Nails

• Hair:

  • Composed of layers: medulla, cortex, cuticle; growth originates from the hair follicle.

  • Hair color determined by melanocytes and genetic factors; hair texture varies based on follicle shape.

• Nails:

  • Composed of nail plate, nail bed, and cuticle; growth occurs at the nail root.

  • Nail color and condition can indicate overall health (e.g. clubbing and spoon nails indicate health conditions).

Summary

• This course will cover each system in detail, emphasizing terminology and anatomy relevant for clinical practice.

• Proper understanding of the integumentary system's structure and function is essential for diagnostics and treatment in healthcare settings.