Integumentary System Functions Skin color Skin eruptions Functions

Integumentary System Functions Skin color Skin eruptions

Functions of the Integumentary System Protection Sensory Perception Regulation of Body Temperature Storage Absorbtion Excretion Protection

Functions of the Integumentary System Protection: n n n Barrier for sun’s ultraviolet rays Protection against invasion of pathogens or germs. Holds moisture in and prevents deeper tissues from drying out. Sensory Perception: n n Nerves are present in skin These nerves respond to pain, pressure, temperature (heat and cold) and touch and send a sensory message to the brain.

Functions of the Integumentary System Regulation of body temperature: n n Blood vessels in skin help body retain or lose heat. Dilate: blood vessels get larger and allow excess heat to escape through the skin. Constrict: blood vessels get smaller and retain heat. Sudoriferous glands also help cool the body through the evaporation of perspiration. Storage n n Skin has tissues for the temporary storage of fat, glucose (sugar), water vitamins, and salts. Stores adipose tissue in the subcutaneous fascia, which is a source of energy for the body.

Functions of the Integumentary System Absorbtion n Certain substances can be absorbed through the skin, such as transdermal medications (nicotine patches, motion sickness patches, certain forms of the flu vaccine) Excretion n Helps the body eliminate salt, a small amount of body waste and excess water. (done through perspiration)

Functions of the Integumentary System Production n n The skin helps in the production of vitamin D It uses ultraviolet rays from the sun to form an initial molecule of vitamin D that is manufactured in the liver.

Skin Color Pigmentation n n Skin color is inherited and determined by pigments in the epidermis. Melanin: 1. Brownish-black pigment 2. Leads to a black, brown, or yellow skin tint depending on racial origin. 3. Absorbs ultraviolet light to tan the skin 4. Small concentrated areas of melanin pigment form freckles. n Carotene: 1. Yellowish-red pigment 2. Also helps determine skin color.

Skin Color Albino n n Absence of color pigments Skin has a pinkish tint Hair is pale yellow or white Eyes are red in color and very sensitive to light.

Skin Color: Abnormal Colors Erythema n Reddish color, caused by burns or a congestion of blood in vessels. Jaundice n n n Yellowish discoloration Can indicate the presence of bile in the blood as a result of liver or gallbladder disease. Also seen in certain diseases that involve the destruction of red blood cells. Cyanosis n n Bluish discoloration, caused by insufficient oxygen. Associated with heart, lung and circulatory diseases. Gray or Brown n Chronic poisonings.

Skin Eruptions Macules – flat spot on skin (freckles) Papules – firm raised areas (pimples, chicken pox, syphilis. ) Vesicles – blisters or sacs full of fluid (some stages of chicken pox) Pustules – Sacs filled with pus (pimples) Crusts – dried pus and blood (scabs) Wheals – itchy elevated areas with an irregular shape (hives and insect bites) Ulcer – deep loss of skin surface that may extend into the dermis. May cause periodic bleeding and formation of scars.