INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

A. SKIN
LAYERS OF THE SKIN
 EPIDERMIS - most superficial layer of the skin
 Composed of stratified squamous epithelium tissue
 In deepest layers, mitosis occurs
 Keratinocytes- most abundant cells in the epidermis; produces keratin, a protein mixture that makes cells durable
 Melanocytes- produces the pigment melanin, which contributes to skin color
 Callus or corn forms when the skin is subjected to pressure or friction

 DERMIS
 Composed of connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers
 Blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles are all embedded in the dermis.

 Subcutaneous Layer - not a layer of the skin

 Attaches the skin to underlying bones
 Also called the hypodermis
 Loose connective tissue
 Storage of our body’s fat (padding, insulation)

SKIN COLOR
1. Melanin– pigments responsible for skin, hair, eye color
Melanin pigments– yellow (Caucasian), brown (Asians), black (African)
Melanocytes– produce melanin; irregularly shaped cells; s. basale
Melanosomes– vesicles derived from GA where melanin is produced
Factors of Melanin Production
a. Genetic factors
b. Exposure to UV light
c. Hormones

2. Albinism - recessive genetic trait that causes deficiency/absence of melanin

3. Cyanosis- bluish skin color; decreased blood O2
4. Carotene – yellow pigment in plants (squash, carrots); source of vitamin A
5. Birthmarks – congenital disorder of the capillaries in the dermis
6. Pallor - seen in areas, e.g. lips, nail beds
7. Jaundice - seen in clients sclera
8. Erythema - may indicate circulatory changes

B. ACCESSORY ORGANS
 HAIR - Columns of dead, keratinized epithelial cells. It is produced in the hair bulb
Parts of the Hair
Hair follicle – where each hair rises
Shaft – above the skin
Root – below the skin
Hair bulb – site of hair cell formation
 Cortex – hard keratin
Medulla – soft central core
Cuticle – single layer of overlapping cells that holds the hair in the hair follicle

 GLANDS
1. Sebaceous glands - simple, branched acinar glands connected by a duct to the superficial part of the hair follicle
Sebum – oily, white substance rich in lipids; released by holocrine secretion; lubricates the hair/surface of the skin
(prevents drying and protects against bacteria)
2. Sweat Glands
a. Eccrine Sweat Glands- release sweat by merocrine secretion
- Numerous in the palms and soles
b. Apocrine Sweat Glands- simple, coiled, tubular glands
- Produce a think secretion rich in organic substances
- Released primary by merocrine secretion; some glands demonstrate holocrine secretion
- Open into hair follicles, in armpits and genitalia
- Become active at puberty
Other Glands
 Ceruminous glands- produces cerumen (earwax)
 Mammary glands- produces milk

 NAILS - Dead stratum corneum cells that contain a very hard type of keratin
Parts of the Nail
Nail body – visible part of the nail
Nail root – part of the nail covered by skin
Cuticle – eponychium; s. corneum that extends onto the nail body
Nail matrix – produces the nail
Nail bed – contributes to nail formation
Lunula – white, crescent-shaped area; part of the nail matrix visible through the nail body

C. FUNCTION OF INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

 Protection
 The skin protects against abrasion and ultraviolet light, prevents the entry of microorganisms, helps regulate body
temperature, and prevents water loss.
 Hair protects against abrasion and ultraviolet light and is a heat insulator.
 Nails protect the ends of the digits.

 Sensation
 The skin contains sensory receptors for pain, touch, hot, cold, and pressure, which allow for proper responses to the
environment.
 Excretion
 Skin glands remove small amounts of waste products (e.g., urea, uric acid, and ammonia) but are not important in
excretion.

 Temperature regulation
 Through dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the skin controls heat loss from the body.
 Sweat glands produce sweat, which evaporates and lowers body temperature.

 Vitamin D Production
 Skin exposed to ultraviolet light produces cholecalciferol, which is modified in the liver and then in the kidneys to form
active vitamin D.
 Vitamin D increases blood calcium levels by promoting calcium uptake from the small intestine.

SKIN DISORDERS
 Skin is the largest organ in the body and covers the body's entire external surface. It is made up of three layers, the
epidermis, dermis, and the hypodermis
 Functions include: Protection against microorganisms, dehydration, ultraviolet light, and mechanical damage;
 It is the first physical barrier that the human body has against the external environment.
 Perceived sensation of pain, temperature, touch, and deep pressure

Normal hair - is neither too dry, nor too oily. The sebum levels are balanced and the sebum naturally protects the hair. Normal
hair is generally soft to the touch and easy to detangle. It is easy to style, shiny and non-static

Healthy fingernails - are smooth, without pits or grooves. They are uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or
discoloration

SKELETAL SYSTEM
Functions of Skeletal System:
 The skeletal system gives shape and support to your body
 Bones protect your internal organs
 Major muscles are attached to bone and help them move.
 Blood cells are formed in the center of many bones in the soft tissue called marrow
 Calcium and phosphorous are stored in the skeleton for later use. Calcium and phosphorous make bones hard.

SKELETAL SYSTEM DISORDER

 Bone fracture - is a medical condition in which there is a partial or complete break in the continuity of any bone in the
body.
In more severe cases, the bone may be broken into several fragments, known as a comminuted fracture.
 Osteoporosis - is a bone disease that is characterized by decreased bone density and mass.
- It causes thinning of the bones that can lead to easy fractures
- Most common among the elderly.
 Osteomalacia - is a disease characterized by the softening of the bones caused by impaired bone metabolism primarily due
to inadequate levels of available phosphate, calcium, and vitamin D, or because of resorption of calcium
“Rickets” – Vit D deficiency among children
 Osteoarthritis - is the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the
bones wears down over time. Most commonly affects joints in hands, knees, hips and spine.
- It causes pain, swelling and stiffness, affecting a person’s ability to move freely.
 Osteomyelitis - is an infection or inflammation of bone. Symptoms may include pain in a specific bone with overlying
redness, fever, and weakness. The long bones of the arms and legs are most commonly involved in children e.g. the femur
and humerus, while the feet, spine, and hips are most commonly involved in adults.
 Paget's disease of bone - is a condition involving cellular remodeling and deformity of one or more bones. The bones grow
too large and become weak, most often affects bones in the leg, skull, pelvis.
 Scoliosis - is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine resulting in an S or C shape. The disorder often occurs in a children
and teens.
 Kyphosis - is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature).
 Lordosis - also called swayback, the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back
 Bone cancer - is an uncommon type of cancer that begins when cells in a bone start to grow out of control.
It begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs.