Integumentary System '19 Flashcards
Epidermis (Definition)
The most superficial layer of the skin. It is avascular.
Dermis (Definition)
Lies immediately below the epidermis. It is much thicker than the epidermis.
Hypodermis/Subcutaneous (Definition)
Lies immediately below the dermis. It is technically not skin but is a layer of support tissue and consists of adipose and loose connective tissue.
Arrector Pili (Definition)
Smooth muscles that connect hair follicles to the papillary layer of the dermis.
Sebaceous Gland (Definition)
An exocrine gland in the dermis or subcutaneous layer that produces oil (sebum).
Melanin
One factor that determines skin color. It is a yellow to brownish black pigment found in some parts of the body such as the skin, iris, and hair.
Melanoma (Definition)
Arises from melanocytes. It is the most aggressive skin cancer and is responsible for the most deaths from skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Definition)
Arises from the upper cells of the dermis. Known to metastasize.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (Definition)
It is the most common type of skin cancer and rarely metastasizes.
Freckles
Flat melanized patches that vary with heredity and exposure to the sun
Moles (Nevi)
Benign growth of melanocytes.
Warts
Epidermal growths caused by human papilloma virus (HPV)
1st degree burn (Definition)
Superficial burning of the epidermis (e.g. sunburn)
2nd degree burn (Definition)
Burning of the epidermis and dermis
3rd degree burn (Definition)
Burning of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis
Skin grafts
A common solution to replacing tissue lost due to 3rd degree burns
Stratum corneum (Definition)
Most superficial layer of the epidermis, characterized by dead keratinized squamous cells
Stratum lucidum (Definition)
The clear layer and a precursor to Keratin
Stratum granulosum (Definition)
Granules in this epidermal layer produce keratin and cells begin to die.
Stratum spinosum (Definition)
Blisters are caused by desmosomes weakening and cells pulling apart in this epidermal layer.
Stratum basale (Definition)
The deepest layer of the epidermis characterized by cells undergoing rapid mitosis.
Pacinian Corpuscle (Definition)
Pressure Receptor in the dermis
Chicken Pox
Highly contagious viral (herpes virus) infection, Symptoms are a body rash and fever. Also known as varicella.
Acne
Chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands
Staph Infection
Infection caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus) that may get into the bloodstream
Blister
Fluid-filled pocket that separates epidermal and/or dermal layers, caused repeated shearing force in one or more directions over epidermal layer of skin
Inflammatory Response
A nonspecific defense triggered by injury or infection; symptoms include swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
UVA
The type of UV ray that penetrates directly into the dermis and damages collagen and accounts for aging (and Vitamin D production)
UVB
Burning rays; cause Tanning and burning; penetrates throughout the Epidermis.
Desquamation
Shedding of the skin cells in the outermost layers of the stratum corneum.
Dermatomycosis
fungal infection of the skin (ie. Athlete's Foot, Yeast Infection, Ringworm...)
Dermographia
"skin writing" results from the inflammatory response due to pressure
Patch Test
test for allergic sensitivity in which a small dose of antigen is applied to the skin on a small piece of gauze
Skin Culture
Non invasive- skin sample is taken with a sterile applicator- identifies bacterial, viral, or fungal causes of skin lesions
Skin Biopsy
procedure in which samples of skin lesions are removed and sent to the pathology laboratory for microscopic examination
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol, D3)
Produced by skin exposed to UV Rays. Helps in bone mineralization and Calcium and Phosphorus absorption from the GI tract and kidney tubules.