Medical Terminology 9th Edition Chapter 5: Integumentary System Flashcards ionicons-v5-c

4 main functions of the skin

Protection, Regulation, Sensation, and Secretion

Protection

Prevents injury, impermeable to bacteria, stops water and electrolyte loss, guards against UV Ray's, helps produce the body's supply of vitamin D.

Regulation

Lowers body temperature and raises body temperature

Sensation

Nerve endings act as sensory receptors for pain, touch, heat, cold, and pressure. When the information reaches the brain it triggers the necessary response.

Secretion

sweat glands secrete perspiration or sweat, and sebaceous glands secrete oil (sebum) for lubrication

Epidermis

the outer protective layer of skin

Melanin

A pigment that gives the skin its color

Keratin

A fiber protein that is the principal component of hair, skin, and nails

Dermis

Nourishes the epidermis, provides strength, and supports blood vessels

Papillae

Produce ridges that are one's fingerprints

Subcutaneous Tissue

supports, nourishes, insulates, and cushions the skin

Subcutaneous Glands

lubricates the hair and skin

Sudoriferous (sweat) Glands

Secretes sweat or perspiration, which helps to cool the body by evaporation. Sweat also rids the body of waste.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Found in armpits, around nipples, and in the groin

Merocrine Sweat Glands

most numerous in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

Acne Fulminans

Acute, febrile, ulcerative acne

Tuberculosis Skin Test

A test performed to identify the presence of the Tubercle bacilli

scratch (epicutaneous) or prick test

A suspected allergen that causes redness or swelling at the scratch site within 10 minutes indicates allergy to the substance.

Sweat Test (chloride)

Test performed on sweat to determine the level of chloride concentration on the skin. In cystic fibrosis, there is an increase in skin chloride.

Tzanck test

Microscopic examination of a small piece of tissue that has been surgically scraped from a pustule to identify the type of viral infection.

Wound Culture

Performed on wound exudate to determine the presence of microorganisms and to identify the specific type.

Biopsy

Microscopic examination of a small piece of living tissue obtained surgically, through a needle and syringe, hollow punch, brush, or stereotactically; used to distinguish between benign and malignant conditions.

Sedimentation Rate

Blood test to determine the rate at which red blood cells settle in a long, narrow tube.

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