CHAPTER

THE INTEGUMENTARY
3 SYSTEM

SECTION I STRUCTURES OF THE SKIN

The integumentary system comprises the skin and its appendages acting to protect
the body from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from outside.

THE REGIONS OF THE INTEGUMENT

The skin or integumentary system is composed of three main layers. The thin outer
layer is known as the epidermis. The thicker inner layer is called the dermis. The
hypodermis is located below the dermis region of skin.
Epidermis
The upper layer of our skin, the epidermis, is the tough, protective outer layer
without blood vessels and nerves. It is built up of flat cells of the epithelium.
The epidermis has four layers of cells that are constantly flaking off and being
renewed. The four layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum
and stratum corneum. In these four layers are three special types of cells: melanocytes
producing melanin, keratinocytes producing keratin, a type of protein that is a basic
component of hair, skin, nails, and helps create an intact barrier and Langerhans cells
helping protect the body against infection.
The cells of the epidermis reproduce themselves rapidly in its deepest layer and
move up to the surface where they form a protective layer of dead cells. These dead
cells are continually being lost and replaced by new ones. This process is known as
keratinization. The body produces and loses a great amount of these epithelial cells
every day. The cells of the epidermis contain pigment, melanin which gives the skin the
colour. The hereditary factors decide whether the skin is lighter or darker in colour, and
also sunlight causes the increase in melanin concentration, which protects the skin from
harmful ultraviolet sun rays. More exposure to sunlight increases the production of
melanin, which is why people get suntanned or freckled.
The epidermis also has a group of resident bacteria living on its surface. These
bacteria are helpful because they have the job of fighting bad bacteria and viruses that

51
are trying to invade your body. Resident bacteria also secrete molecules that poison
invading bacteria.
In certain parts of the body, the epidermis is modified to produce hair and nails.
Hair grows on all the body surface, except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Dermis
The dermis, which consists mainly of elastic connective tissue, is much thicker than
the epidermis. A network of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves runs through the
dermis. The dermis is occasionally called the ‘true skin’. At structures called dermal
papillae, there are finger-like projections into the epidermis and, on the palms, form
fingerprints which are the characteristics for each person. The dermis contains the
glands, such as sweat glands, mammary glands, and sebaceous glands which produce oil
to make the skin and hair elastic.
The connective tissue within the dermis contains cells and three kinds of protein
fibers. However, each type of fiber has a unique purpose. They are collagen fibers
which give the skin strength, make it flexible, and hold water to moisturize the skin,
elastin fibers which allow the skin to stretch and reticular fibers which act like a net to
hold connective tissue together.
Hypodermis
Below the dermis, there is a layer of subcutaneous tissue known as the hypodermis,
which contains mainly the fat. This fat is called adipose tissue. The function of adipose
tissue is to provide protection for the organs and to insulate the body from cold. Adipose
tissue varies in thickness among people. The hypodermis contains larger blood vessels
and nerves than those found in the dermis.

ACCESSORY STRUCTURES IN THE INTEGUMENT

Hair and Nails
Hair is actually a modified type of skin. Hair grows everywhere on the human body
except the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and lips. Hair grows more quickly in
summer than winter, and more slowly at night than during the day.
At the bottom of the follicle is the papilla, where hair growth actually takes place.
The papilla contains an artery that nourishes the root of the hair. As cells multiply and
produce keratin to harden the structure, they're pushed up the follicle and through the
skin's surface as a shaft of hair. Each hair has three layers: the medulla at the center,
which is soft; the cortex, which surrounds the medulla and is the main part of the hair;
and the cuticle, the hard outer layer that protects the shaft.

52
Hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the root. The color of a person's hair
is determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in the cortex of each hair. Hair
becomes gray when people age because pigment no longer forms.
Like hair, nails are a type of modified skin. The protein keratin stiffens epidermal
tissue to form nails. Nails grow from a thin area called the nail matrix, a part of a nail
bed beneath the nails; growth of nails is 1 mm per week on average. The matrix creates
new skin cells, which pushes out the old, dead skin cells to make the nails.
The larger part of the nail, the nail plate, looks pink because of the network of
tiny blood vessels in the underlying dermis. The lunula is the crescent-shape area at
the base of the nail, this is a lighter color as it mixes with the matrix cells.
Nails protect the sensitive tips of fingers and toes. Human nails aren't necessary for
living, but they do provide support for the tips of the fingers and toes, protect them from
injury, and aid in picking up small objects. Nails can be an indicator of a person's
general health, and illness often affects their growth. If a nail is torn off, it will regrow if
the matrix isn't severely injured.
Sebaceous glands and Sweat glands
The dermis also contains a person's sebaceous glands. These glands, which
surround and empty into hair follicles and pores, produce the oil sebum that lubricates
the skin and hair. Sebum is an oily and waxy secretion containing many lipids. These
lipids can provide a rich environment for the growth of bacteria, and therefore
contribute towards body odor, either when the glands are clogged or when the sebum is
not removed periodically. The cells forming a sebaceous gland have extremely short
lifespans, barely over a week.
Sebaceous glands are found mostly in the skin on the face, upper back, shoulders,
and chest. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As a
person's body begins to mature and develop during the teenage years, though, hormones
stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum. When pores become clogged by
too much sebum and too many dead skin cells, this contributes to acne. Later in life,
these glands produce less sebum, which contributes to dry skin as people age.
Sweat, in contrast to sebum, is a water-based secretion, containing electrolytes –
sodium salts, urea, and even trace amounts of uric acid. While most water-soluble waste
products are removed in the urine, sweat also contributes towards clearing some of the
metabolic byproducts of the body. The presence of many acids, such as lactic acid and
acetic acid, makes sweat mildly acidic.
There are two types of sweat glands: the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands.
The eccrine glands are found everywhere, although they're mostly in the forehead,
palms, and soles of the feet. By producing sweat, these glands help regulate body
temperature, and waste products are excreted through them. The apocrine glands

53
develop at puberty and are concentrated in the armpits and pubic region. The sweat
from the apocrine glands is thicker than that produced by the eccrine glands. Although
this sweat doesn't smell, when it mixes with bacteria on the skin's surface, it can cause
body odor.
A normal, healthy adult secretes about half a liter of sweat daily, but this may be
increased by physical activity, fever, or a hot environment.

EXERCISE A. Answer the following questions.

1. What are the names of the main layers of the skin?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What is the epidermis made up of?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. What happens to the epithelial cells every day?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. What gives the skin the colour?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. Where does hair grow?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. What tissue is the dermis composed of?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. What can be found in the dermis?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
8. What structures does the dermis contain?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. What lies below the dermis?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
10. What does the hypodermis contain?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

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EXERCISE B. Determine the meaning of the following vocabulary as used in the
information on the integumentary system.
1. epidermis
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. keratinization
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. melanin
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. fingerprints
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. sebaceous gland
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. sweat gland
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

EXERCISE C. Complete the following sentences with the appropriate word(s).

1. The skin is composed of three main layers: a thin outer layer, known as the
___________ , a thicker inner layer, called the ___________ and the hypodermis.
2. The epidermis, a protective layer without blood vessels and nerves, is built up of flat
cells of the ___________.
3. The cells of the epidermis contain ___________, melanin which gives the skin the
colour.
4. Hair grows on all the body surface, except the ___________ of the hands and
___________ of the feet.
5. Below the dermis, there is a layer of __________ tissue, which contains mainly the
fat.

EXERCISE D. Match the words (1-10) with their definitions (A-J).

1. hypodermis 2. sweat glands
3. blood vessels 4. hair
5. fingerprints 6. epidermis
7. sebaceous glands 8. fat tissue
9. nails 10. dermis

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A. the thin, outermost layer of the skin
B. structures that maintain a continuous flow of blood throughout the body
C. a threadlike structure of dead cells
D. a thin hard layer covering the outer tip of the fingers or toes
E. also termed adipose tissue
F. small oil-producing glands
G. the middle layer of the skin
H. the tiny ridges, whorls and valley patterns on the tip of each finger
I. structures deep within the skin that produce water containing dissolved substances
such as salt
J. the fat layer under the skin

EXERCISE E. Choose the best answer to complete the following paragraph.

Sweat glands are coiled tubes found in the (1) __________ of skin. They connect
(2) __________ the surface of the skin by a tube, or duct. A person has
(3) __________ two million sweat glands in his skin. The function of sweat glands is
(4) __________ body temperature by (5) __________ water. For example, when a
person exercises, the body gets hot. To release this heat, the sweat glands take water and
some molecules such as salt out of the (6) __________. Then this water and salt called
sweat travels (7) __________ the duct to the surface of the body.
When the water in sweat (8) __________ on the skin, it helps the body to cool down.
(9) __________function of sweat glands is to rid the body of some waste molecules.
These wastes include urea, ammonia, and salt, (10) __________ are waste products
from cells. When the bacteria on the surface of a person's skin interact with these
molecules, a person can smell bad.
1. A. epidermis B. dermis C. hypodermis D. innermost layer
2. A. for B. from C. at D. with
3. A. about B. approximately C. over D. less than
4. A. to regulate B. regulate C. regulated D. regulating
5. A. secreting B. excreting C. evaporating D. moisturizing
6. A. sebum B. urine C. synovial fluid D. blood
7. A. in B. out of C. through D. to
8. A. evaporates B. excretes C. secretes D. releases
9. A. Another B. Other C. Others D. A
10. A. that B. which C. who D. whose

EXERCISE F. Choose the appropriate word to complete each sentence below.

1. Sebaceous / Sweat glands secrete an oily substance which is called sebum.
2. Connective / Epithelial tissue contains cells and protein fibers.

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3. The epidermis / dermis is made of connective tissue.
4. Reticular / Elastin fibers act like a net to hold connective tissue together.
5. Hypodermis / Adipose is another word for fat.
6. Collagen fibers are found within the epidermis / dermis.
7. Reticular / Elastin fibers allow the skin to stretch.
8. The hypodermal / epithelial layer of skin contains dead skin cells.
9. The dermis / hypodermis is made of adipose tissue.
10. The sweat from the apocrine / eccrine glands is thicker.

EXERCISE G. Read the following statements and decide if they are true (T) or
false (F).
1. _________ Hair starts growing in the dermis.
2. _________The skin synthesizes vitamin D that contributes to bone health and
enhances bone density.
3. _________ Nails get their hardness from melanin.
4. _________ Each hair has three layers: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle.
5. _________ Everyone has the same amount of melanin in their hair.
6. _________ The skin is not the largest organ of the body.
7. _________ The epidermis which is the top layer of skin made up of epithelial cells
contains blood vessels.
8. _________ Sweat glands are necessary for thermoregulation. Sweat allows the body
to cool down.
9. _________ Nails grow out of the hypodermis of the skin.
10. _________ The larger part of the nail, the lunula, looks pink because of the network
of tiny blood vessels in the underlying dermis.

Figure 3.1 Section through the

integument
Source: Anatomy and Physiology for
English Language Learners

57
SECTION II FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OF THE SKIN

FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN

The skin provides protection from damage and entry of bacteria, regulates
temperature; it is also an excretory and sensory organ.
Physical protection from damage is provided mainly by the epidermis. Thickness of
the subcutaneous tissue also plays an important role in protecting against some injury.
The skin acts as a barrier against the entry of microorganisms, protects the body against
chemicals in the environment and ultraviolet rays in the sunlight.
The skin acts like a waterproof coat for the body, preventing rapid absorption or
evaporation of water and electrolytes at the surface of the body. In this way it helps to
keep the quantity of water in the body constant. However, small amounts of water
continuously evaporate from the skin surface. Through this process which is called
perspiration the body loses 500 ml of water a day.
Regulation of temperature is a very important function of the skin. The skin
contains a great number of sweat glands, which excrete sweat. The sweat consists of
95% of water, 2% of dissolved salts, a small quantity of urea and about 3% of carbon
dioxide. In hot temperature or great muscular activity the sweat flows as fluid on the
surface of the skin, which is cooled by its evaporation. By means of perspiration the
body eliminates excessive amount of fluid and some salts, which maintains mineral
balance of the body.
The skin is a delicate sensory organ providing information about the environment.
Millions of nerve endings located in the skin are sensitive to various stimuli: touch,
pain, pressure, heat, cold and itching. Another special function of the skin is secretion of
ear wax by the external ear and sebum or oil by sebaceous glands.

DISEASES OF THE SKIN

The skin is exposed to more injuries than any other organ of the body. It is affected
by many types of infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, as well as infections with parasites,
such as scabies.
The most common bacterial infection of the skin is probably acne. Acne, which is
popular in adolescence, is a condition of overactivity of sebaceous glands. During
puberty, the pores and glands of the skin can get clogged, leading to bacterial growth
and infection.
One of the most common viral infections is herpes. Herpes can spread through
direct contact with body fluids. There are usually periods of remission, though even
asymptomatic patients can transmit the virus. ‘Cold sores’ arise from oral herpes,
forming blisters around the mouth.

58
Fungal infections include athlete’s foot, yeast infections and ringworm infections.
They are usually seen with ring-shaped or scaly rashes, redness, itching, blisters or with
the thickening of skin. Dandruff is considered as both a bacterial and fungal infection of
the scalp.
Skin cancer, the most common of which is skin melanoma, usually begins as a dark
mole. It is frequently triggered by excessive or prolonged exposure to the sun rays. Skin
allergy and irritation by harmful chemicals cause many kinds of dermatitis (or eczema)
which are the commonest of all occupational diseases. Psoriasis is a chronic and
autoimmune skin disorder that causes an overproduction of epithelial cells. Skin lesions
are classified as primary or secondary. Primary lesions, which do not cause a break in
the skin, comprise: acne, rash, eczema, furuncle, erythema and dermatomycosis.
Secondary lesions, which break the skin include: crusts and fissures caused by
dermatitis, excoriations and ulcers. Albinism arises from a complete lack of pigments on
the skin. Finally, prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in sunburns or even skin
cancer, especially in people with low melanin content in their skin.

EXERCISE A. Answer the following questions.

l. What are the main functions of the skin?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Which layers of the skin play an important role in protecting from injury?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. What is sweat excreted by?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. How is the body temperature regulated?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. What stimuli are nerve endings sensitive to?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. What are other special functions of the skin?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. What is skin cancer usually caused by?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

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8. Who is most likely to have acne?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
9. Which skin disorder causes an overproduction of epithelial cells?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
10. What is the difference between primary and secondary lesions?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

EXERCISE B. Cover the preceding text and complete the cloze passage below.
The skin is exposed to more (1) _________ than any other organ of the body. It is
affected by many types of infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, as well as infections with
(2) _________, such as scabies. Skin cancer, the most common of which is skin
melanoma, usually begins as a dark (3) _________. It is frequently triggered by
excessive exposure to the (4) _________ rays. Skin allergy and irritation by harmful
(5)_________ cause many kinds of dermatitis which are the commonest of all
occupational diseases. Acne, which is common in adolescence, is a condition of
(6)_________ of sebaceous glands. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes an
overproduction of (7) _________ cells. Skin lesions are classified as primary or
secondary. Primary lesions, which do not (8) _________ a break in the skin, comprise:
acne, rash, eczema, furuncle, erythema and dermatomycosis. Secondary lesions, which
(9) _________ the skin include: crusts and fissures caused by dermatitis, excoriations
and (10) _________.

EXERCISE C. Determine the meaning of the following vocabulary as used in the

information on the functions of the skin.
1. sweat
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. perspiration
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
3. waterproof
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. acne
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

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5. psoriasis
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
6. skin melanoma
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
7. primary lesions
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
8. secondary lesions
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

EXERCISE D. Complete the following table with the appropriate word parts.
Verb Noun
protect (1)
prevent (2)
(3) perspiration
(4) evaporation
regulate (5)
eliminate (6)
infect (7)
(8) irritation
produce (9)
break (10)

EXERCISE E. Match the terms with their definitions.

1. barrier A. bacteria, viruses or fungi are examples of these.
2. nerve endings B. sensory receptors.
3. microorganisms C. block, obstruction.
4. sensory organs D. these feel such things as vision, hearing, smell,
taste, and touch.

EXERCISE F. Choose the best answer for each of the following sentences.
1. In hot temperature, the sweat flows as fluid on the surface of the skin, which is cooled
by its _________.
A. insulation
B. perspiration

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C. vibration
D. evaporation
2. The skin is exposed _________ more injuries _________ any other organ of the body.
A. to/ than
B. with/ as
C. by/ than
D. into/ as
3. Many kinds of dermatitis caused by harmful chemicals are _________ of all
occupational diseases.
A. more common
B. the most common
C. the commonest
D. B & C are correct
4. Millions of nerve endings located in the skin are _________ to various stimuli.
A. excessive
B. constant
C. sensitive
D. excretory
5. The skin plays an important role _________ protecting _________ some injury.
A. in/ with
B. in/ against
C. with/ from
D. with/ against

EXERCISE G. Complete the following passage about skin cancer with the words given.

detected skin multiplying If spread

concentrated occurs develops cause black

A tumor is a group of cells that are (1) _________ in a rapid and uncontrolled way.
Skin cancer (2) _________ when something (usually too much exposure to UV rays,
the harmful rays in sunlight) causes the cells in the (3) _________ to multiply too
fast. Sometimes, the tumor (4) _________ from a mole which is an area where
melanin is (5) _________. Moles look like dark brown or (6) _________ spots on the
skin. (7) _________ a person sees that a mole has changed, he or she should see a
doctor to learn if it is skin cancer. If skin cancer is (8) _________ early, it can be
treated. If not, it can (9) _________ to the rest of the body and may (10) _________
death.

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SECTION III FURTHER PRACTICE

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY – ROOTS PERTAINING TO THE SKIN

Root Meaning Example Definition of example
cutane/o, surgical procedure used to
derm/o, skin dermabrasion resurface the skin and remove
dermat/o imperfections
kerat/o keratin, horny layer of keratosis horny growth of the skin
a small body in the cell that
melan/o dark, black, melanin melanosome
produces melanin
abnormally high production of
hidr/o, idr/o sweat, perspiration hyperhidrosis
sweat
seb/o sebum, sebaceous gland seborrhea excess flow of sebum
trich/o, pil/i, trichomycosis fungal infection of the hair
hair
pil/o piloid hair-like
inflammation of the nail and
onych/o nail onychia
nail bed

EXERCISE A. Fill in the blanks with the suitable words.

1. Dermatopathology refers to any disease of the ________________.
2. Dyskeratosis is an abnormality in the skin’s formation of ________________.
3. Amelonocyte is a cell that produces ________________.
4. Hidradenitis is inflammation of a gland that produces ________________.
5. Trichoid means resembling a(n) ________________.
6. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of a(n) ________________.
7. A hypodermic injection is given under the ________________.

INJURIES TO THE SKIN

Mechanical injuries to the skin are divided into those caused by a blunt force, such
as a punch from a fist, and those caused by a sharp force, such as a knife.

SORES
The word sore is a popular term for many different kinds of skin lesion, especially
infected lesions. (Note: The adjective sore means painful, for example a sore throat)
Bed sores also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores can affect people who
spend a long time in one position, for example, because of paralysis, illness, old age, or
frailty. Bed sores can happen when there is friction or unrelieved pressure on one part of
63
the body. People who cannot make even small movements are at risk of pressure sores.
The sores can affect any part of the body, but the bony areas around the elbows, knees,
heels, coccyx, and ankles are more susceptible. Bed sores are treatable, but, if treatment
comes too late, they can lead to fatal complications.

EXERCISE B. Complete the following definitions with the correct terms, using
your medical knowledge.

incised wound / cut abrasion / scratch

cold sore pressure sore
contusion / bruise laceration / tear
penetrating wound

1. A(n)_________ is a superficial injury involving only the epidermis, which has been
removed by friction.
2. A(n)_________ is an injury that occurs when blood vessels in the skin are damaged.
3. A(n)_________ a wound involving both the epidermis and dermis. It is usually
distinguished from penetrating or incised wounds by its irregular edges and relative lack
of bleeding.
4. A(n)_________ is a break in the skin where the length of the wound on the surface is
greater than the depth of the wound – for example, a wound caused by a razor blade.
5. The depth of a a(n)_________ is greater than the superficial length of the wound- for
example, a stab wound caused by a knife.
6. A(n)_________ is a skin ulcer caused by pressure, for example the pressure of lying
in bed for long periods (also known as a bedsore, or decubitus ulcer).
7. A(n)_________ is a lesion caused by herpes simplex.

EXERCISE C. Complete the descriptions of the skin below with the words given.

clammy flushed pale cyanosed jaundice coarse

oily sweaty moist cold flaky itchy
purplish reddish supple smooth scaly tanned

1. Dry, _________ skin may indicate hypothyroidism while hot, _________ hands are
characteristic of hyperthyroidism.
2. She was feverish and her cheeks were _________.

64
3. In shock the skin is _________ and _________, that is cool and _________.
4. When a person is exposed to cold their hands may become _________ with cold.
5. The skin of people suffering from liver disease may be _________ or yellowish.
6. _________ and moist hands may signal anxiety.
7. A baby’s skin is very soft and _________.
8. A young person’s skin is strong and _________.
9. Very dry skin may become _________.
10. In contact dermatitis, the skin is _________.
11. In exfoliative dermatitis, the skin is _________.
12. If blood supply is inadequate the skin may appear _________.
13. In Addison’s disease the skin may look _________.
14. The skin of a newborn is usually _________.

EXERCISE D. Read the table summarizing the characteristics of first-degree

burns, second-degree burns and third-degree burns and then complete the text
that follows.
Degree Epidermis Dermis Fat Red Swollen Blistered Painful Blanches
layer (whitens)
First √ √ √ √ √

Second √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Third √ √ √

First-degree burns are shallow (superficial) and affect only the (1) _________ (the top
or outside layer of the skin is injured). The burned area is (2) _________,
(3)_________, and painful. It whitens / (4) _________when touched but (5) _________
do not develop. Second-degree burns affect the dermis or the (6) _________ of the skin
as well.
They are also (7) _________, (8) _________, and (9) _________, and they develop
blisters. The burned area may whiten or (10) _________. Third degree burns destroy all
layers of the skin [(11) _________, (12) _________ (13) _________ ]. Contrary to first-
degree and second-degree burns, they are usually not (14) _________, do not blanch
and do not develop (15) _________.

EXERCISE E. Identify the error in the underlined words or phrases below.

1.Our skin helps regulating body temperature and eliminate waste through
A B C D
perspiration.

65
2. Skin and hair provide protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and the skin
A B
guards against sunburn by secretion melanin.
C D
3. Most skin is waterproof because keratin, a fibrous protein, and it also is made up of
A B
water, other proteins, lipids and different minerals and chemicals.
C D
4. The most serious skin cancer is melanoma, that looks like a dark, changing,
A B C D
bleeding skin spot.
5. Melanoma is fatal in as much as 35 percent of patients diagnosed with this form of
A B C D
skin cancer.
6. Acne, a disorder of the hair and oil glands, is among the most common conditions
A B C
are treated by dermatologists.
D
7. Sweat and sebum also has an excretory role for water and fat soluble metabolites
A B C
respectively.
D
8. The skin is also necessary for the production of melanin that prevents damage to
A B C D
UV rays.
9. Goosebumps arise from the contraction of arrector pili muscles can keep the body
A B D
warm.
D
10. Excess vitamin B from supplements is remove through urine and sweat.
A B C D

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EXERCISE F. Label Figure 3.2 with the terms provided.

Figure 3.2 Section through the integument

Source: Anatomy and Physiology for English Language Learners

67
WORD BANK

acne fingerprints sebaceous glands

barrier hypodermis sebum
dermatitis keratinization secondary lesions
dermis nerve endings secretion
ear wax perspiration skin melanoma
eczema primary lesions stimulus
epidermis psoriasis subcutaneous tissue
epithelium replace sweat glands
evaporation reproduce waterproof

SOURCES FOR THE READING PASSAGES

CHAPTER 3
THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
https://www.thoughtco.com/integumentary-system
https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/news-wires-white-papers-and-
books/integumentary-system
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/austincc-ap1/chapter/the-integumentary-system/
https://www.organsofthebody.com/skin/
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments

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