Unit 3: The Integumentary System Notes

Medical Terminology

Objectives:

·  Define and decipher common terms associated with the integumentary system

·  Identify the basic anatomy of the integumentary system

·  Analyze unfamiliar terms using the knowledge of word roots, suffixes, and prefixes gained in the course

·  List diseases that involve the integumentary system.

I. Medical terms related to the integumentary systems:

Combining Forms
Combining Form / Meaning
Aden/o
Adip/o
Albin/o
Aut/o
Bi/o
Blehar/o
Carcin/o
Caus/o
Cauter/o
Cis/o
Cry/o
Cutane/o
Derm/a, dermat/o, derm/o
Diaphor/o
Ecchym/o
Erythem/o, erythemat/o
Hidr/o
Hist/o
Ichthy/o
Integument/o
Jaund/o
Kerat/o
Lip/o
Melan/o
Myc/o
Necr/o
Onych/o
Papill/o
Pil/o
Prurit/o
Psor/o
Py/o
Rhytid/o
Scler/o
Seb/o
Squam/o
Steat/o
Trich/o
Ungu/o
Xer/o
Prefixes
a-, an-
Auto-
e-, ex-
Epi-
Suffixes
-ema
-opsy
-rrhea
-therapy

II. Functions of the skin

A.  Protection: the skin is a physical barrier that protects against physical damage, dehydration, UV rays, and ______.

B.  Body temperature maintenance: the skin contains ______glands that secrete fluid to help regulate the body’s ______.

C.  Excretion: during perspiration, small amounts of wastes (salt, water, & organic compounds) are released

D.  Perception of stimuli: many nerve endings and receptors are contained in the skin that detects stimuli related to temperature, ______, pressure, and ______.

III. The Skin: made up of strata that have unique functions in the body

A.  Epidermis: forms the outermost layer of the skin. The epidermis is made up of epithelial tissue. This type of tissue can also line internal organs and body ______.

  1. Keratin: a fibrous, water-repellent ______.
  2. Melanocytes: produce melanin pigments. Melanin is responsible for protecting the skin from UV radiation. Different amounts of melanin can lead to different skin ______.

B.  Dermis: lies directly below the epidermis. It is made up of connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, nerve fibers, hair follicles and sebaceous and sweat glands.

  1. ______is main component of the connective tissue of the dermis. Gives skin its shape, strength, and elasticity. (Collagen comes from the Greek kolla =glue)

C.  Subcutaneous Layer (hypodermis): deepest layer of skin situated below the dermis. Connects the skin to the surface of muscles. Important in providing heat insulation and protecting deeper tissues in the body.

  1. Lipocytes: cells that manufacture and store ______

Lip/o/cyte/s:______

D.  Accessory Organs of the Skin

  1. Glands: cell or groups of cells that secretes specific substances
  2. Sebaceous: everywhere except palms and soles of feet; secrete sebum, an oily substance, into the hair follicles. It is a slightly acidic substance so prevents ______growth.
  1. Sweat glands: found on almost all exterior body surfaces. Coiled glands that terminate at openings called pores. Sweat is mostly water but also contains ______and metabolic waste products. The smell produced from sweat occurs when bacteria interact with sweat.
  2. Hair: made up of fibers of dead protein cells filled with hard keratin. Connected to the skin via the hair follicle. ______(small muscle fibers) attach to the hair follicles and can allow your hair to stand up when you’re cold or frightened.
  3. Nails: made of hard ______. Fingernails cover the ______surface of the last bone of each finger. Toenails cover the ______surface of each toe. Many health disorders result in altered growth and appearance of the nails. Basic nail structure:
  4. Nail plate: translucent part of the nail, which is closely molded to the underlying tissue.
  5. Cuticle: narrow band of epithelial tissue attached to the surface of the nail and at the base and sides of the nail plate.
  6. Nail root: area of the dermis where the nail rests
  7. ______: semilunar, white area at the proximal end of the nail

IV. Skin diseases and conditions

A.  Acne: inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands that produces pimples on the skin.

B.  Albinism: inherited condition that prevents the normal production of ______. Results in extremely pale skin and white hair.

  1. Albin/ism:______

C.  Burns: injuries to skin tissue caused by prolonged heat contact

  1. First-degree: superficial epidermal lesions, redness, blisters
  2. Second-degree: epidermal and dermal lesions, redness, blisters, and hyperesthesia

Hyper/esthesia:______

  1. Third-degree: epidermis and dermis are destroyed, severe hyperesthesia or anesthesia, depending on nerve damage

D.  Psoriasis: chronic disease marked by itchy, erythematous skin with silvery patches

E.  Scleroderma: chronic, progressive disease marked by hardening and shrinking of connective tissue. Causes ______or pain in the muscles or joints.

F.  Varicose veins: veins have a twisting appearance due to loss of ______

G.  Vitiligo: Loss of pigment in one or more areas of the skin, creating milky-white patches.

Figure 1: A section of skin as a representation of the integumentary system

Figure 2: Simplified anatomy of a fingernail