PNR 120

Skin functions -protective covering -waterproof due to keratin -barrier to bacteria and other invading organism -protects underlying tissues from thermal, chemical, and mechanical injury -regulates body temp -converts ultraviolet rays to vitamin d -melanin protects tissue from UV light -nerve receptors transmit feelings of heat, cold, pain, touch, and pressure age related changes in skin and structure -decreased elastic fibers -loss of collagen fibers -skin becomes thinner and more transparent -reduced sebaceous gland activity -reduction in melanocyte activity -decrease in hair follicles -some areas of melanocytes increase (senile lentigines/ age spots) prevention of integumentary system hygiene, diet, age, environment -coumadin