ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF SKIN

The skin, or integument, is considered an organ because it consists of two tissues: epithelial and
connective. In addition, accessory organs, such as glands, hair, and nails, are present, and
together with the skin make up the integumentary system

The skin consists of two layers, the epidermis and the underlying dermis . Although technically
not part of the skin, the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer, or superficial fascia) lies beneath the
dermis.

The skin performs a variety of functions:

• Protection is provided against biological invasion, physical damage, and ultraviolet

radiation.
• Sensation for touch, pain, and heat is provided by nerve endings.
• Thermoregulation is supported through the sweating and regulation of blood flow
through the skin.
• Metabolism of vitamin D occurs in the skin.
• Storage of blood that can be shunted to other parts of the body when needed takes place
in the skin.
• Excretion of salts and small amounts of wastes (ammonia and urea) occurs with the
production of sweat.
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Thermal burns
100% TBSA

Loss of
skin
barrier

Possible for Capillary

entering of Thermoregulati Inflammatory
permeabilit
pathogens or ons problems response
y
microorganism

Sodium, H2O Impaired

Can and protein Freezing
Hyponatrem immune
cause shift form feeling
ia response
Infection intravascular
to interstitial
space

Concentration Circulating
of red blood Blood
cell Volume (up
to 50%) Possible
Inhalatio
n injury
Burn
Shock

Massive Hypoxem
stress ia
response,
sympathetic
nervous
system
activation Tissue
damage

Adrenal
Increase Peripheral corticoid
cardiac Vasoconstricti Hyperglyce
hormones and
output on mia
cathecolamine
release

Afterload Tachycardi
a