College of Nursing

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

LABORATORY

ACTIVITY # 06
THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

The integumentary system includes the skin, its appendages and the underlying tissues. It is
responsible for certain functions like protection, thermoregulation, defense against microorganisms,
prevention of dehydration and dehydration.

I. OBJECTIVES:

1. To explain the different functions of the integumentary system.

2. To recognize and identify the different structures of the integumentary system as follows:
a. Epidermis
b. Dermal layer
c. Hair follicles and hair
d. Sebaceous and sweat glands
e. Nail
3. Describe the hair, its major region and the hair follicle.
4. Identify the major regions of the nail.
5. Describe body membranes.

II. MATERIALS

Reference books, atlas and models

III. PROCEDURE

1. Using the skin model/reference books, locate the structures and layers of the skin. Identify the
layers and give a brief description and functions of each layer. Draw the skin and label each part.
2. Visualizing changes in skin color due to continuous external pressure, take a small glass plate or
slide. Press the heel of your hand firmly against the glass slide ad observe and record the color of
the skin in the compressed area through the glass slide.
a. Color of compressed skin: ______________________________________
b. What is the reason for this change in color?
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c. What would happen if the pressure was continued for an extended period of time?
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3. Draw the structure of the hair follicle and label the parts.
4. Look at the index finger of your lab partner. Study the surface view of the distal third of your
finger. Draw the structure and label the parts.

IV. QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

1. In cases of ruptured appendix, what serous membrane is likely to become infected? Why can this
be life threatening?

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2. Mrs. Dela Cruz volunteered to help at the hospital for children with cancer. When she first
entered the cancer ward, she was upset by the fact that most of the children had no hair. What is
the explanation of their baldness?

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3. A new mother brings her infant to the clinic, worried about yellowish, scummy deposit that has
built up on the baby’s scalp. What is this condition? Would it be serious?

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4. Patients in the hospital beds are rotated every two hours to prevent bedsores. Exactly, why is this
effective?

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5. A man got his finger caught in a machine at a factory. The damage was less serious than expected
nonetheless, but the entire nail was torn from his right index finger. The parts lost were the body,
root, bed, matrix and cuticle of the nail. First, define each of these parts then tell if this nail is
likely to grow back.

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6. Describe the Rule of Nines used for the computation of BSA in adults.

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7. How does the stratum corneum protect against disease?

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8. Why is a third-degree burn traumatic?

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9. What changes occur in the integumentary systems as the body ages?

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10. You have noticed that on cold days, people’s noses and ears turn red. Can you explain the
advantage of this response?

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11. A woman has stretch marks on her abdomen yet she states that she has never been pregnant. Is
this possible? Explain.

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Total score: ______________

Student’s Name Yr & Sec Date Clinical Instructor

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