Human Skin Anatomy and Functions

Questions and Answers

What percentage of an adult's body does the skin cover?

16%

What are the three main functions of the skin?

Protection, regulation, and sensation

What is the name of the cells responsible for touch sensation on the skin's surface?

Merkel cells

What is the oily substance produced by microorganisms living on the skin?

Sebum Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phenomenon where the skin appears raised, creating an insulating layer to help keep the body warm?

Goosebumps or piloerection Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate thickness range of the skin in different areas of the body?

0.5-4 millimeters Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the skin contains immune cells that detect and neutralize harmful microorganisms?

Epidermis Signup and view all the answers

What do bacteria and fungi living on the skin produce to help protect and maintain its health?

Sebum Signup and view all the answers

What can blood vessels near the skin's surface do to help regulate body temperature?

Expand Signup and view all the answers

What function do about 750 merkel cells per square centimeter on the skin's surface serve?

Detecting touch sensation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rana Al-Mahameed and Hussain Laghabi
Skin covers about 16% of an adult's body, roughly equivalent to a 1.7 square meter surface area
The skin has multiple functions beyond its protective role: it is the basis of the circulatory system, made up of layers including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue
The skin's thickness varies, starting at 0.5 millimeters and reaching up to 4 millimeters in thicker areas
The skin performs three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation
The surface of the skin contains about 750 merkel cells per square centimeter, responsible for touch sensation
The first line of defense for the body, skin protects against external elements and helps regulate temperature and pressure
The skin is composed mostly of keratinized cells, which are replaced every four weeks
When new cells form in the basal layer, they push older cells to the surface, forming a protective layer
The protective layer contains immune cells that detect and neutralize harmful microorganisms, and sends signals to other immune cells
The skin is home to various organisms, including bacteria and fungi, which live in pores, crevices, and layers of the skin
These microorganisms produce sebum, an oily substance that helps protect the skin and maintain its health
The skin also plays a role in thermoregulation, with blood vessels near the surface dilating or constricting to regulate body temperature
The human body has approximately 5 million hair follicles covering it, except for the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands
Goosebumps, or piloerection, can make the skin appear raised and create an insulating layer to help keep the body warm
The skin is not just a barrier, but also allows for communication and interaction with the environment
The skin is a complex system with multiple layers and functions beyond just being "skin deep".