Integumentary System Overview

Integumentary System Overview

• The Integumentary System is responsible for supporting the body
• It encompasses the structures, functions, and disorders of the skin.

Layers of the Integumentary System

• Epidermis: Outermost layer of skin, with 5 layers. The innermost layer contains melanocytes (skin color) and the outermost layer consists of flat, scale-like cells that flake off (stratum corneum)
• Dermis: Layer beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands.
• Subcutaneous (Hypodermic): Innermost layer, composed of fat and connective tissues containing larger blood vessels and nerves. Acts as an insulator for regulating temperature.

Appendages of the Integumentary System

• Hair: Multiple layers—Cuticle (outermost, protective), Cortex (middle layer visible), and Medulla (innermost layer). Hair follicles contain the hair bulb and papilla, living parts responsible for growth and connection to the skin's surface.
• Nails:
  • Plate: Visible portion
  • Nail bed: Skin underneath the nail plate
  • Matrix: Creates new nail by pushing old dead skin out.
  • Cuticle: Rims the base of the nail.
  • Lunule: White crescent at the base of the nail.
  • Eponychium: Cuticle.

Glands

• Sudoriferous Glands: Sweat glands. Release sweat, that combined with bacteria contributes to odor.
• Sebaceous Glands: Oil glands. Release sebum to lubricate the skin.

Functions of the Integumentary System

• Absorption: Uptake of substances through the skin.
• Excretion: Removal of waste products from the body through the skin.
• Production of Vit. D: Skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
• Protection: Acts as a barrier to prevent infection and injury.
• Regulation of body temperature: Helps regulate body temperature through sweating and blood vessel dilation.
• Sensory perception: Detects sensations like touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.

Function of Structures of the Integumentary System

• Epidermis: Forms a barrier against infection. Also maintains the moisture level of the body.
• Dermis: Provides structural support for the epidermis and enables skin's function. Contains nerve endings that perceive sensations.
• Subcutaneous Tissue: Helps regulate temperature, and is a pathway for nerves and blood vessels.

Function of Appendages

• Hair: Protective function, maintains temperature, facilitates perspiration.
• Nails: Protects finger tips, supports precise movements.
• Glands: Release sweat and oil to regulate temperature, lubricate skin, and control odor.

Diseases and Disorders of the Integumentary System

• Acne Vulgaris: Excessive oil production, clogged follicles, bacteria/hormones. Symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Treatment can include OTC remedies, antibiotics, and laser therapy.
• Types of Wounds: Laceration (cut/tear), abrasion (scraping), puncture (pointed object), incision (surgical), and avulsion (skin torn off). Treatment varies by the type of wound, including cleaning, stopping bleeding, covering with bandages, or seeking medical attention if serious.
• Wound Healing Stages: A multi-stage process includes hemostasis (stop bleeding), scabbing, rebuilding, and maturation/strengthening.
• Athlete's Foot: Fungal infection that causes a scaly rash on the foot, accompanied by itching, stinging, and burning. Treatment involves antifungal creams, keeping feet clean and dry.
• Eczema: Red, itchy skin conditions with symptoms varying between people (some dry, some with bumps). Triggers include certain allergens, or other factors. Treatment centers on avoiding triggers and moisturizing.
• Herpes (Herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster/shingles, herpes 2): viral infections leading to painful blisters. Treatment centers around medication.
• MRSA: Contagious bacteria that cause infections in different parts of the body (difficult to treat). May look like an abscess, boil, or sore.
• Ringworm: Fungal infection causing a red, scaly ring-shaped patch on the skin. Treatment centers around antifungal creams.
• Scabies: Caused by mites, the condition causes a red, itchy rash under the skin. Treatment often involves topical medications.
• Impetigo: Highly contagious bacteria, often found in the face, nose, and mouth, characterized by yellow, crusty sores. Treatment is commonly done with antibiotic ointment..
• Psoriasis: Autoimmune disease creating red, raised, scaly patches on the skin. Symptoms include a burning, stinging sensation. Treatment involves topical ointments, moisturizers, light therapy, and medications.
• Burns: First degree (red, painful skin), Second degree (pain, swelling, blisters), and Third degree (black charred skin). Treatment varies depending on the severity (often cool water and bandages for minor burns).
• Skin Cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma): Types of cancer that develop from skin cells. May involve surgical removal, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.
• Rules of Nine: Method to estimate the percentage of body surface burned in cases of burn injuries (burns are typically measured in percentage of body surface area).