Anatomy of the Skin

Hyperpigmentation

• Occurs when there is an excess of melanin in the skin.

Skin Fold Palpation and Mobilization

• Tests for the presence of subcutaneous fat, which can indicate the patient's nutritional status, fluid balance, and overall health.

Trophism and Blood Supply

• The skin's texture, temperature, and turgor are indicators of trophism and blood supply.

Skin Secretion Disorder

• A type of disorder related to skin secretion is acne, caused by an overproduction of sebum.

Atrophic Skin

• Characterized by thin, fragile skin that is easily torn.

Lymphedema Diagnosis

• Tested by the Stemmer's sign, a test that looks for the inability to pinch the skin on the dorsum of the toe.

Mechanical Protection of the Skin

• The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, provides mechanical protection.

Sebaceous Glands Function

• Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate and protect the skin.

Peripheral Tissue Sensory Receptors

• Mechanoreceptors, located in peripheral tissues such as skin, superficial fascia, tendons, and joint capsules, are responsible for detecting touch, pressure, vibration, and stretch.

Epidermis Layer with Keratin-filled Cells

• The stratum granulosum layer of the epidermis is characterized by the presence of keratin-filled cells.

Melanin-producing Cells Function

• Melanin-producing cells, called melanocytes, produce melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Thermoreceptors Responding to High Temperatures

• Heat receptors (thermoreceptors) respond to temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).

Sebaceous Secretion in the Skin

• The primary function of sebaceous secretion in the skin is to lubricate and protect the skin from water loss.

Absence of Skin Perception

• The term for the absence of perception in the skin is anesthesia.

Vibrations Detection in the Skin

• Pacinian corpuscles, located deep in the dermis, are responsible for detecting vibrations in the skin.

Joint Position and Movement Perception

• Proprioception is the ability to perceive the position and movement of joints.

Hypodermis Function in the Skin

• The hypodermis, the deepest layer of the skin, provides insulation, energy storage, and cushioning.

Normal Skin Functioning

• Homeostasis refers to the normal, physiologic functioning of the skin.

Dermatomes Significance in Skin Assessment

• Dermatomes are areas of skin innervated by a specific spinal nerve. Understanding dermatomes can help to localize the source of pain and other skin problems.

Bilateral Observation during Skin Examination

• Bilateral observation during skin examination is important to ensure that both sides of the body are symmetrical and that any abnormalities are identified.

Pacinian Corpuscles Characteristic

• Pacinian corpuscles are encapsulated mechanoreceptors that respond to deep pressure and vibration.

Yellowish Skin Tone Significance

• A yellowish skin tone, known as jaundice, can indicate liver problems.

Mechanoreceptor Sensitive to Superficial Touch

• Meissner's corpuscles, located in the dermal papillae, are sensitive to superficial touch and tickling.

Purpose of Palpation During Skin Examination

• Palpation is used to assess the skin's temperature, texture, and turgor.

Meissner's Corpuscles Location

• Meissner's corpuscles are located in the dermal papillae, which are small projections of the dermis that extend into the epidermis.

Ruffini Corpuscles Function

• Ruffini corpuscles are sensitive to stretch and pressure and are located in the dermis.

Environment Preparation for Skin Examination

• The environment for skin examination should be warm and well-lit.

Importance of Covering the Stretcher

• Covering the examination stretcher with a pad or sheet helps to ensure patient comfort and privacy.

Receptors Sensitive to Pressure and Emotions

• Merkel cells, located in the stratum basale, are sensitive to pressure and trigger emotions.

Type 1 Mechanoreceptor Characteristic

• Type 1 mechanoreceptors, which include Meissner's corpuscles and Merkel cells, are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors.

Object Identification by Touch

• Stereognosis is the ability to identify objects by touch.

Skin as a Membrane Function

• The skin acts as a semi-permeable membrane, regulating the passage of substances into and out of the body and protecting the body from infection.

Ability to Identify Signs on the Skin

• Dermatoglyphics refers to the study of skin ridges, also known as fingerprints.

Differentiation of Two Points on the Skin

• Two-point discrimination is the ability to differentiate two points applied to the skin at the same time.

Skin Stretch and Movement

• The skin's elasticity allows it to stretch and move with the body.

Vibration Sensing

• Vibration sensitivity is the ability to sense vibrations through the skin.

Decrease in Sensitivity to Stimulation

• Hypoesthesia is a decrease in sensitivity to stimulation.

Prevention of Water Loss

• The skin's impermeability helps prevent water loss, helping to maintain hydration.

Deep Pressure and Vibration Sensitivity

• Pacinian corpuscles are sensitive to deep pressure and vibration.

Highly Nourished Skin Characteristic

• The skin's vascularity allows it to be highly nourished, aiding in its repair and regeneration.