Chapter 4: The Integumentary System

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Chapter 4: The Integumentary System


Word Origin• Skin “covers” the entire body• Integumentum is Latin for “covering”


Structure of the Skin• Layers of the skin:

– Epidermis- outermost layer– Dermis or corium- contains nerves, blood vessels,

sebaceous and sudoriferous glands– Subcutaneous- layer beneath the skin

[Word roots for skin: derm/o, dermat/o, cutane/o]


Cross Section of the Skin


Accessory Structures• Hair follicles- composed of keratin, a hard protein• Sebaceous or oil gland- secrete sebum• Sudoriferous or sweat gland- secrete watery fluid• Nails- non-living structures made of the protein keratin

[Word roots: kerat/o (hard), seb/o (sebum), sudor/i (sweat)]


Skin Lesions


Skin Disorders • Inflammatory Conditions

– Dermatitis- example: poison ivy has tiny pruritic (itchy) vesicles

– Psoriasis- large erythematous plaques with silvery scales

– Eczema- characterized by red, vesicular lesions• Scleroderma- taut, thick, and leather-like skin


Skin Infections • Impetigo- caused by bacteria • Scabies- caused by egg-laying mite• Tinea- caused by fungus• Shingles (herpes zoster)- caused by a virus


Burns• Superficial

– Erythema, sunburn• Partial thickness

– Blisters, erythema• Full thickness

– Damage to the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layers, muscle and bone

– May require skin grafts


Skin Cancer• Sun exposure is the biggest cause of skin cancer• Melanoma is a common type of skin cancer


Other Skin Disorders• Decubitus ulcer• Vitiligo• Paronychia• Alopecia


Treatments• Biopsy• Cryotherapy• Debridement


Pharmacology

• Transdermal administration• Topical and local administration


Pharmacology cont’d.• Topical drugs:

– Antipruritic– Anti-inflammatory– Antifungal– Antiseptic– Antiviral– Scabicide


Pharmacology cont’d.• Other medications used to treat skin conditions

– Acne medication– Burn medication– Sedatives

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Chapter 4: The Integumentary System