Skin Anatomy and Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is the percentage of the dermal thickness made up of the reticular dermis?

30%

80% (correct)

50%

20%

What is the primary function of the adipose tissue in the subcutaneous tissue?

To store fat, which provides energy, cushioning, and insulation (correct)

To regulate body temperature

To provide structural support to the skin

To facilitate movement between adjacent structures

Which of the following is NOT a component of the dermis?

Sweat glands

Blood vessels

Nerves

Muscle tissue (correct)

What is the function of the papillary layer of the skin?

To form fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the fascia in the subcutaneous tissue?

To facilitate movement between adjacent structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the basement membrane in the stratum basale?

To attach the stratum basale to the dermis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the epidermis in relation to thermoregulation?

To assist with thermoregulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the dermis in relation to epidermal appendages?

It houses epidermal appendages Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is stored in the adipose tissue of the subcutaneous layer?

Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of fat loss from the subcutaneous tissue during aging?

Increased risk of pressure ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate of collagen content decrease in the skin throughout adult life?

1% per year Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the subcutaneous tissue in relation to body contour?

It gives smoothness and contour to the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of atrophy of epithelial and fatty layers of tissue during aging?

Decreased skin thickness Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the epidermis in relation to excretion?

It assists with excretion Signup and view all the answers

When should you move a person with an electrical injury?

If they are in immediate danger Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for inserting a urinary catheter in burn patients?

To measure urine output Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for blisters in 1st and 2nd degree burns?

Leave them intact and dress with silver sulfadiazine cream Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for starting fluid infusion immediately in burn patients?

To treat shock Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to stay at least 20 feet away from high-voltage wires?

To prevent electrical shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication for starting CPR in electrical burn victims?

If the person has no signs of circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the combination of changes in skin, making it more susceptible to injury?

Thin, dry, and inelastic skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of coagulation destruction of the skin or other body parts?

Thermal, chemical, electrical, irradiation, or atomic causes Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between acidic and alkaline burns?

Acidic burns are less severe, while alkaline burns are more severe Signup and view all the answers

What is an additional risk associated with chemical burns?

Pulmonary dysfunction from inhalation of fumes Signup and view all the answers

Why does dry skin have a higher resistance to electrical flow?

Because it has a larger surface area Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the entrance wound in electrical injuries?

It is typically smaller and more depressed in appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why deeper tissues are more susceptible to heat damage from electrical flow?

Because they have a lower ability to dissipate heat Signup and view all the answers

Why are blood vessels and nerves good conductors of electricity?

Because they have a low resistance to electrical flow Signup and view all the answers

What is a common neurological injury caused by electrical shock?

Carpal tunnel syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when responding to a thermal burn victim whose clothing is on fire?

Get the victim on the ground to put out the flames Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for extinguishing flames on a thermal burn victim using a fire blanket?

Start at the victim's head and work towards their feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in responding to a chemical burn?

Flush the affected area with cool running water Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken when responding to an electrical burn victim who is still in contact with the electrical current?

Turn off the source of electricity if possible Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation injury can occur when high-energy radiation is used to treat cancer?

Radiation burn Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for a thermal burn after the victim has been removed from the source of heat?

Cool the burned area with cool running water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Skin Structure

The skin consists of 5 stratums: stratum basale, epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis), and appendages.
The stratum basale is attached to the dermis by a thin, acellular basement membrane.
The dermis has three layers: papillary dermis, reticular dermis, and hypodermis.

Dermis

The dermis is highly vascular and 2-4 mm thick.
It consists of two layers: papillary dermis (thin and superficial) and reticular dermis (deeper and makes up 80% of the dermal thickness).
The papillary layer is responsible for fingerprints.
The dermis contains blood vessels, oil glands, sweat glands, hair follicles, fat tissue, nerves, and connective tissue.

Subcutaneous Tissue (Hypodermis)

Supports the skin and consists of adipose tissue and fascia.
Adipose tissue is highly vascular, loose connective tissue that stores fat for energy, cushioning, and insulation.
Fascia is highly fibrous connective tissue that separates and surrounds structures, facilitating movement between adjacent structures.
Deeper lymphatic vessels are located within the subcutaneous tissue.

Skin Functions

Protection
Sensations
Synthesis of vitamin D
Excretion of wastes
Temperature regulation
Determines characteristics

Functions of the Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous Tissue

Epidermis: provides a physical and chemical barrier, regulates fluid, provides light touch sensation, and assists with thermoregulation and excretion.
Dermis: supports and nourishes the epidermis, houses epidermal appendages, assists with infection control, and provides sensation.
Subcutaneous tissue: gives smoothness and contour to the body, contains fat for energy production, provides insulation, and acts as a mechanical shock absorber.

Sweat glands diminish in number.
Epithelial and fatty layers of tissue atrophy and become thin.
Subcutaneous fat decreases in thickness on the legs or forearms.
Fat loss from the subcutaneous tissue causes relative prominence of bony protuberances.
Collagen and elastin shrink and degenerate, leading to thin, dry, and inelastic skin.

Burn Injuries

Types of burn injuries: thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation, and scald burns.
Etiology of burn injuries: thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation, and scald burns.

Thermal Burns

First aid: remove the victim from the source of heat, remove burning clothes, cool the burned area with cool running water, cover the burned area, and call for medical assistance.

Chemical Burns

First aid: flush the affected area with cool running water for 20 minutes, remove contaminated clothes, and call for medical assistance.

Electrical Burns

First aid: don't touch the injured person if they are still in contact with the electrical current, turn off the source of electricity if possible, call for medical assistance, and cover the affected area.

Outpatient Management of Burns

For 1st and 2nd degree burns less than 10% TBSA: leave blisters intact, dress with silver sulfadiazine cream, and change dressings daily.
Initial emergency procedures: fluid infusion, NGT insertion, urinary catheter insertion, and monitoring weight, respiratory distress, and shock.

Local and Systemic Response to Burn Injury

Local response: inflammation, cell damage, and tissue necrosis.
Systemic response: fever, tachycardia, and increased metabolism.

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Description

Quiz on the layers of the skin, including the stratum basale, dermis, and their components such as hair, glands, and nails. Learn about the structure and function of each layer.