New Trends in Anti-Aging Skin Care
Andreia Ascenso, Sandra Simões, Helena Ribeiro in Carrier-Mediated Dermal Delivery, 2017
The integumentary system includes the skin and accessory structures (hair, nails, and glands). The skin or the integument covers the body externally, being its largest organ (about 15% to 20% of total body weight in adults). It possesses several functions, such as(i) protective, as a physical barrier against potential pathogens and chemicals as well as thermal, mechanical, and ultraviolet radiation damages;(ii) sensorial, as sensory skin receptors are able to detect heat, cold, pressure, touch, and pain, allowing skin to monitor the environment and regulate interactions with it;(iii) thermoregulatory, through water loss mechanisms or insulation ability;(iv) endocrine and metabolic, by secreting hormones, cytokines, and growth factors and synthesizing vitamin D (indispensable for calcium metabolism and bone formation);(v) excretory, through the skin pores and glands [4–6].
The Integumentary (Dermatologic) System and Its Disorders
Walter F. Stanaszek, Mary J. Stanaszek, Robert J. Holt, Steven Strauss in Understanding Medical Terms, 2020
The integumentary system consists of the skin, glands, nails, and hair. The origin of the name of this system is the Latin word integumentum, which means "cover."In addition to covering and protecting the underlying tissues, the integumentary system also functions to regulate body temperature, excrete waste materials, serve as a sense organ, and convert and store nutrients.
Attributes of Peripheral Dopamine and Dopamine Receptors
Nira Ben-Jonathan in Dopamine, 2020
The skin and its accessory structures—hair, nails, and a variety of glands—make up the integumentary system and provide an overall protection to the underlying structures. The skin is composed of multiple layers of ectodermal tissues held together by connective tissue. As shown in Figure 6.11 , the uppermost layer is the epidermis, organized as a stratified squamous epithelium composed of proliferating, basal, and terminally differentiated keratinocytes. The keratinocytes are the major cells that inhabit the epidermis, constituting 95% of its cellular content. Other cells within the epidermis include the mechanoreceptor Merkel cells, the pigment producing melanocytes, and the antigen-presenting dendritic Langerhans cells. The dermis, which lies under the epidermis, contains collagen fibers, blood vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, fibroblasts, sense organs, smooth muscles, and hair follicles. The innermost layer is the hypodermis, consisting primarily of fat tissue (adipocytes), which functions as insulation and as an energy source.
Recent advances in the endocrinology of the sebaceous gland
Published in Dermato-Endocrinology, 2017
Attila G. Szöllősi, Attila Oláh, Tamás Bíró, Balázs István Tóth
The sebaceous gland, long considered an evolutionary relic with little-to-no physiological relevance in humans, has emerged in recent decades as a key orchestrator and contributor to many cutaneous functions. In addition to the classical physico-chemical barrier function of the skin against constant environmental challenges, a more novel, neuro-immune modulatory role has also emerged. As part of the complex intercellular communication network of the integumentary system, the sebaceous gland acts as a “relay station” in the skin for many endocrine factors. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of endocrine effects and subsequent interactions on this much maligned mini-organ.
Web pages: an effective method of providing CAI resource material in histology
Published in Medical Teacher, 2001
Increased student numbers and the recognition that computer skills are essential for medical students led to the introduction of computer-aided instruction (CAI) resource material as an integral part of the second-year histology course at the University of Natal (South Africa) Medical School. Several copies of a commercial software package (compact disc–CD) covering the entire course were available. During the course of the year, using the physical and human resources available, the first in-house software package ('The Integumentary System') was generated in MS Word and saved as a series of linked html documents. The package could be accessed simultaneously by all students via the local area network (LAN). As part of an extensive evaluation of the introduction of CAI in histology, student comments and criticisms of the commercial and in-house package were canvassed. The response regarding the in-house software was encouraging, with students perceiving that it met their educational needs, preferring it to the commercial package. This report describes the ease with which this software can be developed, using limited resources and available skills, while providing students with valuable learning opportunities.
Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on scar tissue
Published in Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2013
Carla P. Freitas, Cristina Melo, Ana M. Alexandrino, Andreia Noites
Background: Physiotherapy has a very important role in the maintenance of the integumentary system integrity. There is very few evidence in humans. Nevertheless, there are some studies about tissue regeneration using low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Aim: To analyze the effectiveness of LLLT on scar tissue. Methods: Seventeen volunteers were stratified by age of their scars, and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) — n = 9 – and a placebo group (PG) – n = 8. Fifteen sessions were conducted to both the groups thrice a week. However, in the PG, the laser device was switched off. Scars’ thickness, length, width, macroscopic aspect, pain threshold, pain perception, and itching were measured. Results: After 5 weeks, there were no statistically significant differences in any variable between both the groups. However, analyzing independently each group, EG showed a significant improvement in macroscopic aspect (p = 0.003) using LLLT. Taking into account the scars’ age, LLLT showed a tendency to decrease older scars’ thickness in EG. Conclusion: The intervention with LLLT appears to have a positive effect on the macroscopic scars’ appearance, and on old scars’ thickness, in the studied sample. However, it cannot be said for sure that LLLT has influence on scar tissue.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Hair Follicle
- Sebaceous Glands
- Sweat Glands
- Dermis
- Skin
- Anatomy Category
- Nails