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.

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