EFFECT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ON THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

On the 16
^th
of October 2018 I was insructed to complete an investigation report relevent to my course choice Beauty Therapy studies level 2 by Elaine Donaldson, my Anatomy Tutor.

I have choosen to do my report on the structure and functions of the skin and how Multiple Sclerosis effects the nerve endings of the Integumentary system. This will be completed by 31
^st
of October for review.

Procedures

In order to complete the relevent investigation, the following procedures were implemented to obtain all the information in this report.

One source of research that was completed were notes from classes held by the tutor Elaine Donaldson
Online research from various sites which will be listed in the Bibliography.
Reading, Beauty Therapy, The Foundations : The Official Guide to Beauty Therapy Level Two by Lorraine Nordman.
Anatomy and Physiology, Therapy Basics (fourth edition) by Helen Mcguinness

Findings/Investiagtion

Structure Of The Integumentary System

There are 3 layers to the integumentary system (the skin) each with there own purpose and job to do in the running of the biggest organs in our body. A fully grown adults skin can weigh up to 8 pounds (3.6kg) and stretch 22 square feet (2 square meters). The skin is our bodies coveringand does a lot more than make us look presentable. In fact, without it, wed literally evaporate.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outer most layer of the skin and in this layer a lot happens and consists of 5 layers

Stratum Corneum

(cornified, horney layer)

This layer is formed from several layers, scale like flattend overlapping cells compiled of dead kertin. Keratin combined with lipid fats create a waterproof barrier protecting the skins surface from bacteria, reflect UVA light and protect us from enviromental factors.

Stratum Luicidum

(clear, transparent layer)

This layer is only found in the palms and the soles of the feet. The areas where no hair grows and thicker skin. The cells here have no nucleous (brain) and the clear liquid layer filled with a substance called eledin produced by the body as a further stage of keratinisation.This layer cushions and protects.

Stratum Granulosum

(the granuler layer)

This layer is composed of either one, two or three layers of flattend cells. The nucleous in this layer is beginning to break up as it moves up towards the stratum lucidium

Stratum Spinosum

(prickly layer)

This layer has 8 to 10 layers of keratinocytes formed as a result of cell division from the basal layer of the epidermis. This layer also has a dendtritic cell called langherhans cells which engulf foreign bacteria, particles and damaged cells.

Stratum Germinitivium

(basal layer)

This layer is the deepest layer of the epidermus and connects to the dermis, it bonds to the dermis with collegen fibers called the basment memebrane. The dermal paillila is also located here, this increasing the strenth of the connection from the epidermis and the dermis.

Diagram 1: Layers of the Epidermis

Dermis

The dermis is the second layer of the integumentary system and is a thick layer of fiberous and elastic tissue made of mostly collegen and an important componant, though small of elastin. These componenets give the dermis its strength and flexability.

The dermis has 2 main layers the:

Papillary layer (the uppermost layer)
Reticular layer (the lower layer)

The dermis contains a lot of important structures and functions such as:

Sabaceous glands
Dermal papillia
Hair follicle
Hair bulb
Sweat glands
Sweat pores
Sensory nerves
Motor nerves
Lympathitic
Melanocytse
Blood vessels

Each function and structure playing an extremley important part in the running and maintenance of the human body, like a super-computer all components have to work in sync for optimal results.

Diagram 2: Image of the Dermis

Subcutaneous layer (hypodermis)

The subcutaneous layer or otherwise know as the hypo dermis is the third and bottom layer of the integumentary system. This is the most widley distrubuted tissue for protecting the underlying tissues and organs, provides insulation and the bodies shock absorber from impacts. It consists mainly of adipose tissue and is the storage for most body fats. (see Diagram 2. for refrence to location)

Function Of The Integumentary System

The are seven main functions of the integumentary system, again each with there own purpose yet collectivly ensure smooth running of the system as a whole.

Sensation

This function is to do with the mass network or nerve cells in our skin to send and recive information. The nerve endings in the skin help detect: hot, cold, pain, pressure and touch.

Heat Regulation

This function helps regulate tempreture by sweating or shivering via the sweat glands and hair. By releaseing sweat it starts to cool the body when to hot. When cold we shiver activating the arrector pilli muscles trapping a layer of heat between the hairs to keep you warm.

Absorbtion

This function of the skin absorbs UVA (ultriviolet light) which help with the production of vitamin D. Some creams and oils can be absorbed by the skin but due to the next function not a lot of these products will not make it through.

Protection

This function is called the acid mantle. The skin protects its self from to much UVA light with a pigment called melanin. The acid mantle creates a barrier over your skin to prevent bacteria and germs entering the skin. Without a protective barrier our skin would absorb everything including water becoming a sponge for everything. The acid mantle is your water proof winter jacket for all year round.

Exccretion

This functions job is remove waste products and toxins from the body by realeasing them through the sweat glands. Lymph nodes also release toxins from the body also.

Secretion

This function secretes sebum oil and sweat on the skins surface to lubricate and keep the skin soft. When the sebum oil and sweat combines on the surface of the skin it creates the acid mantle.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurologial disease which effects the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the brain and spine. There are different stages of Multiple Scleorsis:

Relapsing Remitting MS

Primary Progressive MS

Secondary Progressive MS

Progressive Relapsing MS

Most common, being Relapsing remitting.

MS is a progressive, immune-mediated disorder, this means the system designed to keep your body healthy mistakenly attacks parts of your body that are vital to everyday function. The protective coverings of nerve cells are damaged, (demyelination) which leads to diminished function in the brain and spinal cord.

This disease effects the protective myelin sheath that covers and protects each nerve for efficiant relay of information from the brain and spine to the body as a whole. When the myelin sheath has been damaged it leave nerves exposed and interrupts the system of sending and receiving infromation from the brain.

Some of the common symptoms of MS:

vision problems
tingling and numbness
pains and spasms
weakness

or

fatigue
balance problems

or

dizziness
bladder issues
sexual dysfunction
cognitive problems
loss of sensation (touch, pressure and temperature)

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