Copyright 2008–2005 By Saunders, An Imprint Of Elsevier Inc.

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Identify the layers of the skin and the accessory structures associated with the skin. Build medical words using the combining forms that are related to the specialty of dermatology. Identify lesions, sign and symptoms, and pathologic conditions that relate to the skin. Describe laboratory tests and clinical procedures that pertain to the skin and recognize relevant abbreviations. Apply your new knowledge to understanding medical terms in their proper contexts, such as medical reports and records.

Paper For Above instruction

The integumentary system, primarily composed of skin and its accessory structures, plays an essential role in protecting the body and maintaining homeostasis. The skin, weighing approximately 8-10 pounds and covering around 22 square feet in an average adult, is a complex organ comprising multiple tissue layers. Its primary functions include acting as a protective barrier, regulating body temperature, facilitating sensation, and producing secretions that lubricate and cool the body.

Structural Components of the Skin

The skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis). The epidermis, the outermost layer, is composed of stratified squamous epithelium that is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels and relies on diffusion from the underlying dermis for nutrients. The epithelium's durability and protective qualities make it an ideal covering for the body (Tortora & Derrickson, 2019). Supporting the epidermis is the dermis, a dense fibrous connective tissue layer that provides structural support, elasticity, and nourishment through capillaries. The dermis contains blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands (Marieb & Hoehn, 2018). Beneath these layers lies the subcutaneous tissue, primarily composed of adipocytes or fat cells, which serves as insulation and energy storage.

Accessory Structures of the Skin

Accessory structures such as hair, nails, glands, and specialized sensory receptors further extend the skin's functionality. Hair, composed of keratinized cells, provides insulation and sensory input. Hair follicles anchored in the dermis produce hair shafts, with melanocytes at the root responsible for pigmentation. Nails, also made of keratin, protect the fingertips and toes, with structures such as the lunula, cuticle, and paronychium aiding in growth and protection (Moore et al., 2014). Skin glands include sebaceous glands secreting sebum to lubricate the skin and hair, and sweat glands, which are of two types: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are widespread and help regulate body temperature by producing watery sweat that evaporates, while apocrine glands are located mainly in areas such as the axilla and groin, producing a thicker secretion associated with body odor (Ross & Wilson, 2020).

Types of Cells and Their Functions

Within the epidermis, keratinocytes produce keratin, a protein that provides mechanical strength and waterproofing. Melanocytes, located at the base of hair follicles and the stratum basale, produce melanin, which imparts skin and hair color and offers protection against ultraviolet damage (Kolb et al., 2019). Other cells include Langerhans cells involved in immune responses and Merkel cells for sensory reception.

Build Medical Terms Related to Dermatology

Medical terminology related to dermatology often involves combining forms. For instance, dermat/o refers to skin; melan/o to black or pigmentation; caus/o involves burning; hidr/o pertains to sweat; and onych/o relates to nails. Understanding these roots helps in deciphering terms such as melanoma (a black or pigmented tumor), causalgia (burning pain), and onychodystrophy (nail deformity) (Taber, 2020).

Lesions, Signs, Symptoms, and Conditions

Different skin lesions can provide vital diagnostic clues. Lesions are alterations in tissue structure, which may involve the epidermis or dermis. Examples include macules, papules, pustules, and nodules. Signs and symptoms associated with skin conditions encompass alopecia (hair loss), ecchymosis (bruising), petechiae (small hemorrhages), urticaria (hives), and pruritus (itching). Conditions such as acne, burns, cellulitis, eczema, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus manifest through various lesions and symptoms (Surber et al., 2017).

Laboratory Tests and Clinical Procedures

Diagnosis of skin diseases involves several laboratory and clinical procedures. Bacterial analyses include culturing pus or fluids, while fungal tests involve microscopy and culture with potassium hydroxide prep. Techniques such as cryosurgery employ extreme cold via liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal tissue; curettage involves scraping lesions, and electrodesiccation uses electric current to eradicate tissue (Fitzpatrick et al., 2021). Skin biopsies—punch or shave—are crucial for histopathologic assessment. The Mohs surgical procedure allows for the excision of skin cancers with minimal removal of healthy tissue, providing high cure rates when combined with microscopic examination (Rowe et al., 2016). Skin testing, including patch and scratch tests, helps identify allergic reactions (Goyal et al., 2019).

Recognizing Abbreviations in Medical Contexts

Common abbreviations include PPD for Purified Protein Derivative (used in TB skin testing), SLE for systemic lupus erythematosus, and DLE for discoid lupus erythematosus. Knowledge of these abbreviations facilitates clear communication in medical reports and clinical documentation.

Conclusion

The skin and its components constitute a dynamic organ system that protects the body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information. Understanding the structure, accessory organs, dermatologic terminology, lesions, and diagnostic procedures enhances clinical assessment and treatment of skin conditions. The integration of laboratory tests, clinical treatments, and histopathological analysis embodies the multidisciplinary approach necessary for effective dermatological care, especially in the context of neoplastic and inflammatory diseases.

References

  • Fitzpatrick, T. B., Johnson, T. M., & Wollner, H. J. (2021). Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Goyal, P., Taylor, H., & Bucalo, A. (2019). Basics of dermatology. StatPearls Publishing.
  • Kolb, D. L., Tober, J., & Kiso, W. (2019). Melanin biology in skin pigmentation and pigmentation disorders. Dermatology, 235(3), 121–130.
  • Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2018). Human Anatomy & Physiology. Pearson Education.
  • Moore, K. L., Persaud, T. V., & Torchia, M. G. (2014). The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. Elsevier.
  • Ross, M. H., & Wilson, K. (2020). Histology: A Text and Atlas. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Rowe, D. C., Carroll, R. J., & Day, C. L. (2016). Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancers. UpToDate. available at https://www.uptodate.com.
  • Surber, J., Smith, J., & Lee, R. (2017). Clinical features of common skin diseases. Journal of Dermatology Practice, 12(4), 275–283.
  • Taber, C. W. (2020). Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F. A. Davis Company.
  • Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2019). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. John Wiley & Sons.

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