Skin Functions and Structure
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?

  • Regulation of blood pressure (correct)
  • Vitamin D production
  • Sensation
  • Protection

What is the main role of the epidermis in the skin structure?

  • Provides insulation
  • Stores fat cells
  • Forms the outermost layer of skin (correct)
  • Contains blood vessels

How does the skin help in heat regulation?

  • Through the evaporation of sweat (correct)
  • By producing more blood cells
  • By the secretion of hormones
  • By increasing muscle activity

Which layer of the skin is referred to as the 'true skin'?

<p>Dermis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about melanin is true?

<p>It protects against ultraviolet damage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates the hypodermis from the other layers of skin?

<p>Made up of fat cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which layer of the skin are sebaceous glands located?

<p>Dermis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a part of the skin's protective functions?

<p>Filtering UV rays (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do fibroblasts play in the skin's structure?

<p>They produce collagen and elastin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of collagen in the skin?

<p>To provide a youthful appearance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As we age, what happens to the production of collagen and elastin?

<p>It slows down. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What substance do mast cells release in response to tissue damage?

<p>Histamine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sweat gland is responsible for secreting a thicker fluid containing urea and fats?

<p>Apocrine glands (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in the subcutaneous layer of the skin?

<p>Fat cells (adipose tissue) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the dermal papilla in the hair follicle?

<p>It provides blood supply and nutrients for hair growth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the stratum corneum?

<p>Provide waterproofing for the skin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do arrector pili muscles function when a person is cold?

<p>They contract, causing goosebumps (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the epidermis is primarily responsible for the production of keratin?

<p>Stratum granulosum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which protein allows the skin to stretch, providing elasticity?

<p>Elastin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sensation is NOT detected by sensory nerve endings in the skin?

<p>Mood changes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does rapid weight loss have on facial appearance?

<p>Causes the face to appear aged. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which layer are melanocytes primarily found?

<p>Stratum germinativum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phagocytes in the skin?

<p>To destroy pathogens and debris. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sweat glands is true?

<p>Sweat glands regulate body temperature through evaporation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the thickness of the prickle cell layer?

<p>3-6 layers thick (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells make up about 90% of the epidermis?

<p>Keratinocytes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of blood capillaries in the skin?

<p>To provide oxygen and nutrients while removing waste (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the stratum lucidium layer?

<p>Is 4 cells deep and transparent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are eccrine glands primarily found?

<p>All over the body, especially palms and soles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT performed by blood vessels in the skin?

<p>Hair color determination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the dermis is composed of loose connective tissue?

<p>Papillary layer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Langerhans cells in the epidermis?

<p>Absorption and removal of foreign bodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of skin, composed of 25-30 dead, keratinized cells. This layer is waterproof and where desquamation (shedding) occurs.

Stratum Lucidum

A thin, transparent layer found only on palms and soles, consisting of 4 cells deep.

Stratum Granulosum

A layer with 1-3 cells, where keratin granules appear and the nucleus breaks down.

Stratum Spinosum

A layer with 8 cells, containing round nucleated cells connected by fibrils.

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Stratum Germinativum

The deepest layer of the epidermis, one cell thick, containing dividing epithelial cells, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells.

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Papillary Layer

The upper layer of the dermis, made of loose connective tissue with blood and lymphatic capillaries, and nerve endings.

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Reticular Layer

The lower layer of the dermis, made of connective tissue that supports the dermis and holds its structures in place.

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Keratinocytes

The primary cell type in the epidermis, responsible for producing keratin, a protein that makes the skin tough and waterproof.

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Skin Functions

The skin performs several essential functions for the body, including sensation, heat regulation, absorption, protection, excretion, secretion, and vitamin D production.

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Sensation (Skin Function)

The skin acts as a sense organ, detecting changes in the environment like heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain.

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Heat Regulation (Skin Function)

The skin controls body temperature by dilating (widening) and constricting (narrowing) blood vessels, as well as through sweat evaporation and insulation from subcutaneous fat.

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Absorption (Skin Function)

The skin has limited absorption properties, allowing it to absorb small particles like hormones, nicotine patches, and ingredients in facial preparations.

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Protection (Skin Function)

The skin acts as a barrier against dirt, bacteria, chemicals, and UV radiation.

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Excretion (Skin Function)

The skin eliminates waste products like lactic acid, urea, and salts through perspiration, although this is a minor function.

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Secretion (Skin Function)

Sebum, an oily substance, is secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin.

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Vitamin D Production (Skin Function)

Sunlight triggers a chemical reaction in the skin, leading to the production of vitamin D.

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Sweat Glands

Small organs located in the skin that release sweat to regulate body temperature.

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Eccrine Glands

Sweat glands found all over the body that secrete a watery fluid.

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Apocrine Glands

Sweat glands found in areas like armpits and groin that become active at puberty.

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Hair Follicle

A small indentation in the epidermis that holds a hair shaft.

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Hair Shaft

The part of the hair that extends above the skin's surface.

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Dermal Papilla

A small structure within the hair follicle that supplies blood.

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Blood Capillaries

Small blood vessels that transport oxygen, nutrients, and remove waste from skin tissues.

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Arrector Pili Muscle

A muscle attached to hair follicles that contracts to make hair stand up.

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Fibroblasts in the Dermis

Specialized cells in the dermis that create collagen and elastin, essential for skin's strength and elasticity.

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Collagen in the Dermis

A type of protein in the dermis that provides strength and elasticity to the skin. Its production decreases with age.

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Elastin in the Dermis

A protein in the dermis that provides elasticity to the skin, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape.

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Mast Cells in the Dermis

Cells in the dermis that release histamine in response to tissue damage, causing inflammation and helping with healing.

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Histamine in the Dermis

A chemical released by mast cells in response to tissue damage, causing blood vessels to dilate and inflammation.

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Phagocytes in the Dermis

White blood cells that move through the skin, destroying pathogens and cell debris during healing.

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Subcutaneous Layer/Hypodermis

The layer of fat beneath the dermis, providing insulation, padding, and energy storage. It also contributes to facial contours.

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Importance of Subcutaneous Fat in the Face

A certain amount of fat in the face is beneficial, as it plumps contours and gives a youthful appearance.

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Study Notes

Skin Functions and Structure

  • The skin has seven main functions: sensation, heat regulation, absorption, protection, excretion, secretion, and vitamin D production.
  • Sensation: The skin acts as a sensory organ, detecting changes like heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain.
  • Heat regulation: The skin regulates body temperature (37°C) through dilation (widening) and constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels, and sweat evaporation. Subcutaneous fat also insulates the body.
  • Absorption: The skin has limited absorption properties, absorbing small particles like hormones, nicotine, and ingredients in lotions.
  • Protection: The skin acts as a waterproof barrier against dirt, bacteria, and chemical attack.
    • The acid mantle (pH 5.5) discourages bacteria and fungi growth.
    • The epidermis' horny layer filters bacteria.
    • Melanin protects against UV damage.
  • Excretion: Waste products (lactic acid, urea, salts) are eliminated through perspiration, though this is a minor function.
  • Secretion: Sebaceous glands secrete sebum.
  • Vitamin D production: Sunlight triggers a chemical reaction in the skin, leading to vitamin D production.

Layers of the Skin

  • The skin has three main layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer/hypodermis.
  • Epidermis: The outermost layer, visible part, doesn't have a direct blood supply. It is made up of five layers.
    • Stratum corneum (horny layer): Outermost, dead, scaly cells.
    • Stratum lucidum (clear layer): Only in thick skin (palms, soles). Small, transparent cells.
    • Stratum granulosum (granular layer): Keratin production; cells become flatter and die.
    • Stratum spinosum (prickle cell layer): Cells are dividing constantly, interconnected.
    • Stratum germinativum (basal layer): Single layer of actively dividing cells; contains melanin (pigment).
  • Dermis: True skin, thickest layer. Made up of two layers: papillary and reticular.
    • Papillary layer: Loose connective tissue with blood vessels and nerve endings supplying the epidermis and waste removal.
    • Reticular layer: Dense connective tissue; collagen and elastin providing strength and elasticity; connects to subcutaneous layer.
    • Cells of the dermis: Fibroblasts, mast cells, and phagocytes.
      • Fibroblasts: Produce collagen and elastin for skin strength and elasticity; involved in tissue repair.
      • Mast cells: Release histamine in response to injury or infection, causing blood vessels to dilate to facilitate healing.
      • Phagocytes: White blood cells engulfing pathogens and debris.
  • Subcutaneous layer/Hypodermis: Located under the dermis, primarily composed of fat cells (adipose tissue). Provides insulation, protection, and contour to the body.

Appendages

  • Sweat glands: Produce sweat for thermoregulation; two types:
    • Eccrine glands: Found all over the body, produce watery sweat.
    • Apocrine glands: Found in specific areas (armpits, groin), become active during puberty, produce thicker sweat, and may cause body odor.
  • Hair follicle: Indentation of the epidermis housing the hair.
  • Hair shaft: Visible part of the hair.
  • Dermal papilla: Blood supply for hair growth.
  • Sebaceous glands: Produce sebum (oil) throughout the body (excluding palms and soles) to prevent drying and infection.
  • Arrector pili muscle: Attached to hair follicles; contracts to cause goosebumps.
  • Sensory nerve endings: Detect environmental changes like heat, cold, touch, pressure, and pain.

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Description

Explore the seven essential functions of the skin, including its role in sensation, heat regulation, absorption, protection, excretion, secretion, and vitamin D production. Understand how the skin acts as a barrier and its significance in maintaining body temperature and health.

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