Question

Your prompt for this module is:

This discussion board will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of one function of the integumentary system and how it interacts with other body systems to contribute to homeostasis for the organism. Think about the functions of the integumentary system. Along with the barrier function of the skin, there are many other important functions that the integumentary system contributes to. Injury or pathology to the integumentary system often causes a potential disruption to the ability of a person to maintain homeostatic conditions. You will pick two of the following conditions and provide the following for each: the layers and structures of the integumentary system that are involved, the integumentary system functions that are lost or inhibited, and the compensatory steps that the body will take to overcome the deficit. It is fully expected that you will have to do some independent research to provide a robust response to this prompt - it would be in your best interest to start this assignment early!

Choose two of the following conditions to discuss:

Decubitis ulcers (i.e. bedsores)

Shingles

Second degree burn covering the majority of the thorax

Necrotizing fasciitis

Hyperhidrosis

Answer 1

Integumentary system is a system of our body that acts as a barrier to protect our body. It comprises of the skin, hair, nails, glands and nerves. This system also acts as a receptor of touch, heat, cold, pressure and pain. It is the first defensive barrier against the pathogens. Also helps maintain body temperature. It works with other regulatory mechanisms in our body to run the body functioning mechanisms properly.

Decubitis ulcers also known as bedsore or pressure ulcer is an open wound that is formed on the skin when pressure from the body weight against a surface like bed or wheelchair occurs. This normally occurs to individuals with limited mobility. It normally occurs in hip area, back, ankles etc. It occurs in four stages based on the level of damage to the skin tissues. The first stage is a discoloration of the upper layer of the skin called epidermis. Damage to the epidermis layer of the skin can cause infections, but damaged cells in this layer will be replaced by cells in the deeper layers. Adding more pressure to this discolored area may cause breakage of ulcer. Second stage appears as a blister filled with yellowish fluid with swollen areas around it. It may reach the underlying layer of skin called dermis. The dermis is responsible for elasticity and resilience and damage can cause slow healing of wounds. Third stage of this condition is breakage of the blisters and these damages the underlying tissues. This causes damage to the next layer of skin called papillary layer and reticular layer that has connective tissues. Now the stage four is a serious condition and may cause damages to the hypodermis layer or subcutaneous layer that in turn affects the muscle, tendons and ligaments. This may lead to necrosis or tissue damage. The risk of Infections is very high during this stage and it can be very painful. Following necrosis the tissue attempts to regenerate with cells of same type that is damaged. If tissue damage is minimal body replaces it using regenerative mechanisms of parenchymal cells or repairing by stromal connective tissue.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus. It causes a rash that is painful that may appear in any part of the skin. It can also form as a group of blisters. This causes itching of skin, fluid filled blisters that may break, patches on skin, fever, and chills. It takes about 4 weeks and rashes can heal like in chicken pox. The viral infection in the nerve to the skin causes this rash. The cluster of blisters contains nerves that branches out from nerve root that are infected. Here the nerve fiber of sensory ganglia that extends to the skin is infected and it causes sensitivity to touch. Integumentary system involved here is skin and nerve. Our natural immune system can fight shingles if there are no complications. But individuals with weak immune system may have severe problems that should be treated. Vaccinations arte used to treat this and also antiviral drugs are also used for treatment.