Biology Chapter 18: Integumentary System Flashcards

Integumentary System Overview

• The skin is the largest organ in the human body.
• Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color.

Functions of the Skin

• Protects the body from internal injuries and pathogens.
• Provides sensation through nerve receptors.
• Regulates body temperature.
• Prevents excessive water loss.

Skin Structure

• Composed of two main layers:
  • Epidermis: outer layer.
  • Dermis: inner layer.

Parts of the Integumentary System

• Includes skin, hair, nails, oil glands, sweat glands, subcutaneous tissue, and nerve endings.

Aging and Skin Changes

• Skin loses elasticity with age, resulting in wrinkles.
• Skin becomes thinner and more fragile as one ages.
• Nail growth slows with age; brown spots may appear on sun-exposed areas.
• Contrary to some beliefs, fat and collagen do not increase with age; hair typically does not become thicker.

Common Skin Conditions

• Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.
• Scabies: Infestation by mites burrowing into the skin.
• Gangrene: Tissue death due to lack of blood flow.
• Warts: Hard bumps caused by viral infection.
• Psoriasis: Chronic condition with rapid skin cell turnover, forming patches.
• Fungal Infections: Often occur in moist areas, such as groin and under breasts.
• Burns: Classified as superficial, partial-thickness, or full-thickness.
• Shingles: Caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
• Cellulitis: Skin infection from bacteria entering through breaks in the skin.

Wound Types

• Types of wounds include abrasions, avulsions, incisions, lacerations, and punctures.
• Open wounds have compromised skin integrity; closed wounds do not.

Pressure Points and Skin Breakdown

• Skin breakdown often occurs at pressure points where bones are close to the skin.
• Conditions contributing to skin breakdown include moisture and immobility.
• Early signs of skin breakdown include pale or reddened skin.

Nursing Interventions

• Nursing assistants should reposition immobile residents every two hours.
• Warm and cold applications can be applied both moist and dry, but should not exceed 20 minutes.
• Gloves must be worn when assisting with baths and treatment applications.

Infection Control

• Non-sterile dressings are for dry, less risky wounds; sterile dressings for new or draining wounds.
• If a sterile field becomes contaminated, the process must be restarted.

Key Definitions

• Bony Prominences: Areas of the body with bones close to the skin, prone to pressure ulcers.
• Lesion: Abnormal area of tissue or injury.
• Necrosis: Death of living cells caused by disease or injury.

Treatment Applications

• Sitz Bath: A warm soak for cleaning perineal areas and reducing inflammation.
• Moisture Effects: Strengthens the impact of heat and cold in treatments.

These notes summarize the key elements of the integumentary system, its anatomy, functions, common issues, and care practices.