Chapter_4_The_Integumentary_System__1_

Chapter 4: The Integumentary System

Overview

• The integumentary system is crucial as it covers the entire body.

• The term Integumentum is Latin for "covering."

Word Parts Related to the Integumentary System

Common Word Parts

• adip/o: fat

• cutane/o: skin

• -cyte, cyt/o: cell

• derm/o, dermat/o: skin

• -oma: tumor

• onych/o: nail

• pil/o: hair

• seb/o: sebum (oil; fat)

• sudor-: sweat

Color and Location Word Parts

• albin/o: white

• cirrh/o: yellow

• cyan/o: blue

• epi-: upon, above

• erythr/o: red

• fer/o: to carry

• ichthy/o: dry, scaly (fishlike)

• jaund/o: yellow

• kerat/o: horn

• melan/o: black

• myc/o: fungus

• scler/o: hard

• sub-: below

• xanth/o: yellow

• xer/o: dry

Structure and Function of the Skin

Layers of the Skin

• Epidermis: outermost layer

• Dermis (corium): contains nerves, blood vessels, sebaceous (oil) and sudoriferous (sweat) glands.

• Subcutaneous Layer: layer beneath the skin.

Key Word Roots

• derm/o, dermat/o, cutane/o: all refer to skin.

Accessory Structures of Skin

• Hair: composed of keratin, a hard protein.

• Sebaceous Glands: secrete sebum (oil).

• Sudoriferous (Sweat) Glands: secrete watery fluid.

• Nails: made from keratin.

Burns

• First Degree: Erythema; superficial damage to the epidermis; no blisters.

• Second Degree: Blisters and erythema.

• Third Degree: Charring; damage extends through epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, muscle, and bone.

Skin Lesions

Types of Skin Lesions

Flat

• Macule

• Plaque

Elevated

• Bulla

• Papule

• Nodule

• Pustule

• Vesicle

Depressed

• Fissure

• Wheal

• Ulcer

Inflammatory Disorders

• Contact Dermatitis: caused by exposure to allergens or direct contact with chemicals/ plants (e.g., poison ivy).

• Erythema: redness of the skin.

• Pruritus: synonym for itchy skin.

• Eczema: generic term for skin inflammation.

• Psoriasis: inherited inflammatory condition of the skin.

• Scleroderma: characterized by taut, thick, leather-like skin.

Skin Cancer

Malignant Skin Cancers

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

3. Malignant Melanoma: a serious form of skin cancer that is particularly dangerous.

Benign vs. Malignant

• Cancer can also be benign (non-spreading).

Skin Infections

• Impetigo: caused by bacteria.

• Scabies: caused by an egg-laying mite.

• Tinea: fungal infection.

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster): caused by a virus.

Other Skin Disorders

• Decubitus Ulcer

• Acne

• Vitiligo

• Paronychia

• Alopecia

• Erythema

• Ichthyosis

Diagnostic Tests, Treatments, and Surgical Procedures

Tests and Procedures

• Biopsy

• Cryotherapy/Cryosurgery

• Debridement

Medications

• Topical Medications:

  • Antibiotics: prevent bacterial infections.

  • Antifungals: target fungi.

  • Antipruritics: relieve itching.

  • Antiseptics: kill/inhibit bacteria.

  • Scabicides: eradicate scabies mites.

• Oral or Injected Medications:

  • Anti-inflammatories treat inflammation.

  • Transdermal: medication administered through unbroken skin.

Practice and Analysis

Example Terms

• Dermatology: the study of the skin.

• Melanocyte: a cell that produces melanin.

• Hyperhidrosis: abnormal condition of excessive sweating.

• Definitions:

  • Dermis: inner layer of skin.

  • Polyp: mass of tissue on a stem or stalk.

  • Tinea: fungal skin infection.