integumentary system

Integumentary System Study Guide

Key Vocabulary Terms

Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin



Sebaceous gland: Oil gland that produces sebum to keep skin and hair soft



Tinea unguium: Nail fungus (also called onychomycosis)



Keratin: Fibrous, water-repellent protein found in hair and nails; hard and horny in texture



Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating



Arrector pili: Muscle fibers attached to hair follicles that cause hair to stand erect and create goosebumps



Xeroderma: Excessively dry skin



Pustule: Small lesion containing pus



Mycosis: Abnormal condition caused by fungus



Lipedema: Accumulation of fat and fluid in tissues under the skin of hips and legs



Erythema: Redness of the skin



Alopecia: Hair loss (caused by physical trauma, infections, or hormonal imbalances, but NOT by tinea pedis)



Decubitus ulcer: Preventable ulcer often seen in bedridden patients; also called a pressure sore or bedsore



Abscess: A sac of pus or purulent material accumulating at the site of inflammation



Skin Structure and Layers

Three main layers (from outer to inner):

  1. Epidermis: Top layer with no blood or nerve supply

  2. Dermis: Middle layer containing blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands

  3. Hypodermis: Innermost layer (also called subcutaneous layer)

Glands in the skin:

  • Sebaceous glands: Produce oil (sebum)

  • Sudoriferous glands: Produce sweat

  • Ceruminous glands: Secrete earwax (found in the ear)

Common Skin Conditions

Contact dermatitis: Redness, itching, and swelling caused by contact with an irritant (like new makeup)



Psoriasis: Characterized by silvery-white scales on the skin



Acne vulgaris: Common skin condition involving clogged pores and inflammation



Eczema: Inflammatory skin condition causing itching and irritation



Herpes simplex: Infection producing lesions commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters



Herpes zoster: Also known as shingles



Malignant melanoma: Cancer of the skin that forms from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells)



Burns and Injuries

Burn severity (by depth):

  • First-degree: Affects only the epidermis (least severe)

  • Second-degree: Reaches the dermis

  • Third-degree: Extends through all layers to the hypodermis (most severe)



Other injuries:

  • Laceration: Cut or tear in the skin

  • Contusion: Bruise

  • Hematoma: Collection of blood outside blood vessels



Functions of the Skin

  • Protects underlying organs

  • Provides a barrier to prevent entry of pathogens

  • Protects tissues from ultraviolet rays

  • Helps produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight

  • Regulates body temperature through sweating



Note: The skin does NOT provide support and structure to the body (that's the skeletal system's job).

Treatment Notes

Decubitus ulcer treatments include:

  • Topical antibiotic powders

  • Adhesive absorbent bandages and dressings

  • Systemic antibiotics



NOT used: Cold packs alternated with warm packs



Quick Review Tips

  • Remember the order of skin layers from outside to inside

  • Know which conditions have distinctive symptoms (like silvery scales for psoriasis)

  • Understand the difference between bacterial, viral, and fungal infections

  • Review burn classifications by depth of damage