36 Questions
What is the primary function of the epidermis?
To act as a barrier against external factors
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the dermis?
It is the outermost layer of the skin
What is the name of the lines that appear on the skin due to aging and repeated muscle contraction?
Langer's lines
What is the main function of sweat glands in the skin?
To regulate body temperature
What is the term for the study of the structure and function of the skin?
Dermatology
What is the term for the thin, translucent layer of skin that is found in areas such as the eyelids and genitalia?
Thin skin
What is the function of sebaceous glands in the skin?
To produce sebum and moisturize the skin
What is the term for the strong, fibrous tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and other organs?
Fascia
What is the main function of the skin in terms of body physiology?
To protect the body from external factors
What is the term for the thick, keratinized plates found on the dorsal surface of fingers and toes?
Nails
What is a characteristic of deep fascia in the limbs?
It is well developed and surrounds muscles
What is a function of deep fascia in the neck?
It plays a role in the path of spread of infection
What is a function of deep fascia in the muscles?
It covers the muscles and assists in their action
What is a characteristic of deep fascia in the face?
It is absent in most areas
What is a function of deep fascia in the joints?
It forms retinacula around joints
What is a function of deep fascia in the flexor surface of fingers?
It forms fibrous flexor sheaths
What is a function of deep fascia in the body?
It helps in venous return
What is a characteristic of deep fascia in the thorax and abdomen?
It is thin and absent in most areas
What is the primary function of the sebaceous glands in the skin?
To produce sebum
What is characteristic of skin creases at joints?
They are deep and firmly adherent to underlying structures
What is the orientation of Langer lines in the trunk?
Transverse
What is the characteristic of superficial fascia in the scalp?
It is firmly attached to the skin
What is the function of superficial fascia in facilitating movements of the skin?
It allows for the sliding of skin over underlying structures
What is characteristic of superficial fascia in the eye lids and auricle of the ear?
It is devoid of fat
What is the function of superficial fascia in giving the body its shape?
It provides a framework for fat deposition
What is characteristic of deep fascia?
It is a membranous layer of connective tissue
What is the function of deep fascia in relation to muscles?
It invests muscles
What is the relationship between skin creases and Langer lines?
Skin creases are parallel to Langer lines
What is the primary function of the skin in regards to thermoregulation?
To regulate body temperature through sweat glands
What is the function of superficial fascia?
To contain fat, nerves, and vessels
What is the consequence of vitamin D deficiency in infants?
Rickets
What is the function of the skin in regards to expression?
To express a wide range of emotions and behavior
What is the characteristic of the skin in the palm and hand?
Thick
What is the primary function of deep fascia?
To help in venous return
What is the purpose of Sweat glands in the skin?
To regulate body temperature
What is the function of skin in regards to water and electrolytes?
To maintain normal water and electrolytes
Study Notes
Skin Definition and Features
- Skin is the largest organ in the body
- Divided into two layers: epidermis (superficial) and dermis (deep)
- Epidermis is thick in the palm and sole
- Dermis is made of dense connective tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics
- Dermis also contains sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles
Skin Appendages
- Nails: keratinized plates on the dorsal surface of fingers and toes
- Hair follicles
- Sweat glands: deepest structure in the dermis
- Sebaceous glands: present in the dermis and secrete sebum
Skin Lines
- Skin creases: grooves opposite joints, where skin is thin and firmly adherent to underlying structures
- Langer's lines (or cleavage lines): correspond to the natural orientation of collagen in the dermis
- Incisions made parallel to Langer's lines heal better than those made across the lines
Fascia
- A layer that lies beneath the skin
- Divided into two layers: superficial fascia and deep fascia
Superficial Fascia
- A layer of loose connective tissue containing fat
- Firmly attached to the skin in the scalp, back of the neck, palm, and sole
- Loosely attached to the skin in the dorsum of the hand and foot
- Devoid of fat in the eyelids, auricle of the ear, penis, scrotum, and clitoris
- Rich in fat in the breast and gluteal region
- Functions:
- Facilitates movements of the skin
- Bad conductor of heat
- Gives the body its shape
- Contains blood vessels, nerves, and sometimes muscles
- Holds skin firmly to deeper structures by bundles of collagen
Deep Fascia
- A membranous layer of connective tissue that invests muscles
- Well developed in limbs, thin in thorax and abdomen, and absent in most of the face
- Functions:
- Covers the muscles and assists in their action
- Deep surface of fascia gives rise to septa and is thickened in the palm and sole forming palmer and planter aponeuroses
- Thickened around joints forming retinacula and fibrous flexor sheaths
- Helps in venous return
Physiology of Skin
- Functions:
- Protection against physical and chemical trauma, microorganisms, and radiations
- Thermoregulation through negative feedback between skin, skeletal muscles, sweat glands, and hypothalamus
- Sensation through high number of sensory receptors in the skin, especially in the face and fingertips
- Water storage and protection of normal water and electrolyte levels
- Absorption of drugs and toxic organisms
- Expression of emotions, behavior, and communication through facial expressions
- Synthesis of vitamin D
This quiz covers the layers of skin, their contents, and different types of skin. It also explores Langer's lines and skin creases, and their clinical significance.
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