The Integumentary System

The Roles of Integumentary System

• Protect the body from pathogens• Absorb impact• Protect inner cells from UV light• Control the body temperature• Excrete wastes of the body• Sensation of pressure, pain, touch, and

temperature• Produce vitamin D

The Parts of The System

The integumentary system consists of three parts:

• Epidermis –the outermost layer• Dermis –the middle layer • Hypodermis –the innermost layer

The Epidermis Strucure1. No blood vessels –gain

nutrients indirectly through dermis

2. Keratinocytes –constitute 95% of epidermis. Produce keratin protein

3. Keratin –a hard, tough, water-proving protein consisting of the outermost layer in epidermis

4. Melanocytes –produce skin pigments(melanin)

5. Langerhans cells –one of immune cells in skin

Epidermal renewal

• Keratinocytes divide to provide cells to the surface

• The cells gradually reach to the surface and flatten

• The cells in the surface are dead, tough, and waterproof

The function of epidermis

• Provides protection against pathogens• Protects inner cells from physical impacts, UV

light, and burn• Waterproof • Prevents body from dehydration

The Structure of Dermis • Collagen and elastin –

proteins consisting of most of dermis. Properties with elasticity, extensibility

• Sweat gland –produces sweat

• Erector muscle –erects hairs to hold body heat inside

• Hair follicle –a root of hair• Sensory receptor –detects

sensation

The Functions of Dermis

• Regulation of the body temperature• Provides nutrients to the epidermis• Excretion of body waste• Sensations of touching, pressure, pain, and

temperature,• Provides skin with elasticity and resistance to

distortion and distraction

The structure of Hypodermis

• Fat cells –the basement of skin• Lymphatic vessels –immunity for skin• Blood vessels –provide nutrient to dermis• Nerves –transmit stimulations from sensory

receptors

The Function of Hypodermis

• Preservation of energy• Insulation of the body• Extra cushion• Provides nutrients to the upper layers

Diseases/ Disorders

• Alopecia Areata– hair

• Psoriasis– skin

• Warts– skin

• Dermatitis– skin

• Athlete’s Foot– skin

Alopecia Areata Psoriasis

Athlete’s Foot

Warts

Dermatitis

Alopecia Areata

• A.k.a. spot baldness• Autoimmune disorder; attacks hair follicles• Only 0.1%-0.2% of humans have been

diagnosed with it• Leads to baldness• Usually starts in childhood• Not contagious

Prevention/ Treatment

• Cannot prevent it if diagnosed• Treatment:– Corticosteroids injected in scalp every 4-6 weeks– Could wear hair pieces or hair weaves– Use only certain hair products– Use unique styling techniques

Psoriasis

• Chronic autoimmune disease• Symptoms include red/scaly lesions on skin• Lesions are called psoriatic plaques• They show inflammation and increased skin

production• This excessive skin production occurs in

accumulation of silvery white cells (plaques)• Usually affects elbows and knees• Not contagious

Prevention/ Treatment

• No way to prevent it if diagnosed• Treatment:– Creams, ointments, and lotions to moisturize the

skin– Shampoos, oils, and sprays to treat scalp– Little exposure to sunlight

Warts

• Comes from the Human Papilloma Virus• Characterized as tiny, round, rough tumors• Appear mostly on hands and feet• Many types: common, plantar, flat, genital,

and mosaic• Contagious via direct contact• Can easily and safely be removed

Prevention/ Treatment

• Prevention:– Avoid exposure to others’ warts– Don’t pick at them to avoid spreading– Keep affected spots dry

• Treatment:– Freezing– Cantharidin– Bleomycin– Minor Surgery– Laser Surgery

Dermatitis

• Inflammation of the skin• Types: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Atopic

Dermatitis (Eczema)• Starts out as an itchy rash then could spread

with increased redness and swelling• Not life-threatening or contagious, but can

make one feel very self-conscious

Prevention/ Treatment

• No way to prevent it if diagnosed• Treatment:– Creams, ointments, and lotions to moisturize the

skin

Athlete’s Foot

• Medically termed Tinea Pedis• Fungal infection usually on the feet causing

scaling, flaking, and itching• Could spread to groin if not treated• Contagious via moist areas where you would

walk barefoot such as a public bath house or shower room

Prevention/ Treatment

• Prevention:– Maintain good hygiene– Avoid others with the disease

• Treatment:– Special medication, does not have to be doctor

prescribed

Bee Stings

remove the sting by sliding or scraping your fingernail across it, rather than pulling at it. Wash the area and apply ice to reduce the swelling.

If the person has an allergy to bee stings, they can fall into a life-threatening state of anaphylactic shock.

Immobilise the person, apply pressure to the bite and seek immediate medical help.

Spider Bites seek immediate medical help. Bandage the

wound firmly. Use a second bandage to wrap the arm or leg and splint the affected limb. Anti-venom is required.

wash the affected area well and soothe the pain with ice packs or iced water.

Snake Bites

Don’t wash the skin, as traces of venom left behind might be needed by medical personnel to identify the snake.

Pressure bandage and splint the limb. If the person was bitten on the torso, make

sure your bandaging doesn’t restrict their breathing.

Tick

if a tick has burrowed into the skin, grasp it behind the head with fine tweezers, as close to the skin as possible.

Gently pull it straight out with steady pressure, making sure you remove the entire body.

Do not use methylated spirits, alcohol or anything else to kill the tick before removing as this may cause the tick to inject more poison.

Minor Burns

• Hold the skin under cool, not cold water for 10 to 15 minutes

• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage• Take an over the counter pain reliever

Major Burns• Don’t remove burned clothing, make sure the vicitim is not in

contact with smoldering or burning substances• Don’t immerge burns in cold water• Cover the area of the burn, use a cool, moist sterile bandage• Elevate the burn the burned body parts• Get a tetanus shot

Bruises

• Apply ice immediately to the bruised area of the body

• Elevate the injured body part above the heart• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, it will

give the body what it needs to help the blood clot.

Puncture Wounds

• Stop the bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound

• Clean the wounds with soap and water• Bandage the wound with if requires

protection• Get a tetanus shot

Scrapes

• Clean the area with soapy cold water.• Treat the area with an antibiotic, make sure

the victim isn’t allergic to antibiotics beforehand

• Protect the area and allow a scab to form. Scab is the bodies way of protecting open wounds.

General Care

6-8 Hours of sleep Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding

harmful substances/environments Exercise – resistance training and

cardiovascular Healthy management of stress Proper use of antibiotics.