Integumentary System free essay sample

The topic of section sixteen is the pathophysiological changes that can occur in the integumentary system. These include inflammatory reaction of the skin and the formation of lesions, burns, cellulitis, dermatitis, folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles, fungal infections, pressure ulcers, psoriasis, scleroderma, toxic epidermal necrolysis and warts. All these possible alterations mentioned applies to physiology because the integumentary system, which consists of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue below the skin, hair, nails and assorted glands protect our body from invading microbes (chemically and physically), regulates body temperature, prevents dehydration, acts as a blood reservoir, aids in excretion and vitamin D synthesis. The skin is the largest and heaviest body system, and it takes a lot of work to keep it balanced. It is considered one of the most valuable parts of the body. Since the skin is our first line of defense, we must take necessary precautions to keep it healthy and prevent any kind of infection from developing and spreading. We will write a custom essay sample on Integumentary System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The hair and nails both have protective functions in addition to their cosmetic appeal. The integumentary system has two main types of glands, sebaceous (oil) and sudoriferous (sweat). The sweat glands function primarily in thermoregulation by the production of sweat, and sebaceous glands produce oil that keeps the skin and hair from becoming dry and serves as a bactericide. After reading the highlighted disorders from the book, I learned that as a nurse, the main focus of my care will be teaching about the disorders, its treatment and prevention. It was extremely informative to read all about the causes of the disorders, the signs and symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatments and special considerations. Integumentary System free essay sample Also to look at some diseases that effect the skin such as cancer, aging, and acne. Are there any safety concerns associated with this exercise? If so, list what they are and what precautions should be taken. There is no foreseen safety concerns with this lab. Exercise 1: Structures of the Skin obseRvations Before beginning, set up a data table similar to this Data Table 1. Fill in the names of the numbered structures. SkinDiagram(National Library of Medicine at http://nih. nlm. gov) Data Table 1: Structures of Skin|| Item|Name| 1. Sweat Pore| 2. |Dermal papila | 3. |Sensory Nerve Ending| 4. |Epidermis| 5. |Dermis| 6. |Subcutis (Hypodermis)| 7. |Pancinian Corpuscle| 8. |Sweat Gland| 9. |Hair Follicle| 10. |Sebaceous Gland| 11. |Arrector Pili Muscle| 12. |Hair Shaft| Questions A. How does the skin tan when exposed to ultraviolet light? The epidermis has melanin in it that protects the epidermis and when it is exposed to UV light it is moved to the skin cells and creates a tan color be cause the melanin is a pinkish tint. We will write a custom essay sample on Integumentary System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page B. Describe the functions of the epidermis It is the outermost layer of the body and it is used to protect everything within the body like the muscles. C. Describe the functions of the sweat glands. The body regulates body temperature through the sweat glands they also remove waste from the body. Finally they also secrete pheromones to attract others. D. Compare the structure of the epidermis to that of the dermis. The epidermis is the outer most layer of the skin, which protects the body against the environment. While the dermis is deeper in comparison and the dermis has nerve endings, which help in sensations of the skin. E. Fill in the following table by either inserting the name of the structure/cell or by giving its function(s): Structure/Cell|Function(s)| Melanocytes|Makes a pigment for tanning| Langerhans cells|These cells are involved in the immune response of the skin| Dermis|Found on nerve endings| Stratum lucidum|A thin layer of flattened keratinocytes only in the thick skin| Papillary Layer|The blood supply here provides radiational cooling for the body| Exercise 2: Microscopic Structure of the Skin obseRvations Sketch and label your keratinized stratified squamous epithelium slide in the space below. Be sure to label all of the structures in the epidermis and dermis you were able to find: Questions A. Compare your slide to the photomicrograph example in the lab procedure. How are they the same and how are they different? Propose a reason why you would see several differences between different slides of skin. They are mostly the same from what I could see on the slide and on the photomicrograph of the skin. The only thing I found that was different was the stratum spinosum I could not see it on my slide. I think that the reason there is not much difference in the skin slides are because the skin is made up the same is every part. B. What is keratin? It is a protein that gives the skin the protection it needs and is most seen in epidermis. C. Why is skin keratinized? It is keratinized because it needs be protected from the elements of the environment. Exercise 3: Clinical Conditions of the Skin Questions A. What are the three types of skin cancer? Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma. B. Which type of skin cancer is easily treatable? Basal Cell Carcinoma C. Explain why melanoma is so dangerous? It is often easy to ignore the start of melanoma because it starts as a mole or lesion, but once it reaches the bloodstream and the rest of the body it creates tumors. D. What factors can cause acne? It occurs when the sebum is not able to go through the hair follicle. The cells shed too fast and clump together plugging up the opening. E. What is a common myth about the cause of acne? The myth is that eating chocolate, greasy food, or having dirty skin causes acne, but it is not the case. F. What are some treatments for acne? Medications, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hormonal treatment, anti androgen drugs, skin peeling therapy. G. Describe the signs of first, second and third degree burns. 1st- Usually red skin and some irritation, and can feel pain. 2nd- Show blisters on the skin and also have redness. 3rd- The top layer of the skin are often burned off and you can see the muscles of the area. H. What are the principle effects of aging on the skin? Some of the principles that effect aging in the skin are loss of fatty tissue between your skin and muscle, stress, gravity, daily facial movement, and obesity.