18 Questions
What is the primary function of the arrector pili muscles attached to hair follicles?
To contract and pull hair follicles upright, trapping air for insulation
What is the main difference between the shaft and root regions of a hair?
The shaft is exposed above the skin, while the root is enclosed within the hair follicle
Which type of gland is responsible for producing sebum to lubricate and condition the hair?
Sebaceous glands
Where are the hair follicles and associated structures located within the skin?
Extending from the epidermis into the subcutaneous tissue
Which specialized sweat glands are responsible for producing apocrine sweat, which has a distinctive odor?
Apocrine sweat glands
What is the primary function of the hair matrix, the layer of cells at the base of the hair follicle?
To produce the keratin that forms the hair shaft
Which of the following statements about eccrine sweat glands is correct?
They are abundant on the palms, soles, and forehead.
What is the primary function of sebaceous glands?
To secrete an oily substance called sebum onto the skin and hair follicles.
Which of the following is a specialized sweat gland?
Ceruminous glands
Which of the following statements about apocrine sweat glands is correct?
They are located in the anogenital and axillary areas.
What is the primary function of hair follicles in relation to sweat glands and sebaceous glands?
To provide a pathway for sebum and sweat to reach the skin's surface.
Which of the following is a function of the acid mantle on the skin's surface?
To retard microbial growth on the skin.
Which of the following is NOT a function of the stratum corneum?
Facilitating the excretion of sweat and sebum
Where are Meissner's corpuscles found?
In the dermal papillae of the papillary layer
What is the function of the dermal ridges?
To increase friction and enhance gripping
Where are Pacinian corpuscles located?
In the reticular layer of the dermis
What is the purpose of cleavage lines in the reticular layer?
To guide incisions for faster healing
What is the purpose of the epidermal ridges?
To increase friction and enhance gripping
Study Notes
Hair Structure and Function
- Hairs (pili) are produced by cells in the matrix inside hair follicles
- Each hair has two regions: shaft (exposed above the skin) and root (below the skin, enclosed by the hair follicle)
- Hair functions include protection, thermoregulation, and insulation
Hair Follicle Structure
- Hair follicle consists of hair root, hair bulb, internal epithelial root sheath, external epithelial root sheath, glassy membrane, and connective tissue root sheath
- Hair matrix produces hair shaft, and hair papilla provides nutrients to the hair matrix
Nails
- Nails are scale-like modifications of the epidermis
- Found on the dorsal tips of fingers and toes
Striae (Stretch Marks)
- Indicate dermal tearing replaced by silvery white scars
- Tension (cleavage) lines indicate areas of the reticular layer with less collagen bundles
Nervous Structures in the Skin
- Merkel discs: epidermal-dermal junctions that act as light touch receptors
- Meissner's corpuscles: located in the papillary layer of the dermis, respond to touch
- Pacinian corpuscles: located in the reticular layer of the dermis, respond to deep pressure
- Root hair plexus: wrapped around the base of a hair follicle, stimulated when hairs bend, and act as touch receptors
Accessory Structures of the Skin
- Derive from the stratum basale of the epidermis but reside in the dermis
- Include sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hairs/hair follicles, and nails
Sweat Glands
- Simple tubular multicellular exocrine glands
- Two types: eccrine and apocrine
- Eccrine sweat glands: abundant in palms, soles, and forehead, secrete sweat for thermoregulation
- Apocrine sweat glands: located in anogenital and axillary areas, become active after puberty, and secrete a viscous fluid onto hair follicles
- Specialized sweat glands include ceruminous glands and mammary glands
Test your knowledge on the structure and production of hair, including details about the shaft, root, and hair follicles. Learn about the cells in the matrix that are responsible for hair growth.
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