Ch. 10: Physiology & History of the Skin Flashcards
What is the largest organ in the body?
Skin / Integumentary System
What is the basic material and foundation (building blocks) of our cells and skin?
Proteins
Where is skin thickest?
Palms of the hands and soles of the feet (approximately 4mm)
Where is skin thinnest?
Eyelids (1.5mm)
How much does the skin of an average adult weigh?
7 lbs.
What are the 6 primary functions of the skin?
Sensation Heat Absorption Protection Excretion Secretion
What is the acid mantle?
The protective barrier made up of Sebum, Lipids, Sweat, and Water.
Define: Hydrolipidic
Hydrolypidic film is an oil-water balance that protects the skins surface.
What is the average pH of the skin?
5.5
Define: Barrier Functions
Protective barrier of the epidermis; the corneum and intercellular matrix protect the surface from irritation and dehydration.
What is Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) ?
Water loss caused by evaporation on the skin’s surface.
What is the Intercellular Matrix?
Lipid substances between corneum cells that protect the cells from water loss and irritation.
What is the skin’s most amazing feature?
To heal itself.
What is the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) ?
Stimulates cells to reproduce and heal.
Fibroblasts are triggered by _____ and _____.
Proteins and Peptides
What are Fibroblasts?
Cells that stimulate cells, collagen, and amino acids that form proteins.
Describe the skin function; Sensation.
Sensory nerve endings in the dermis respond to touch, pain, cold, heat, and pressure.
Describe the skin function; Heat Regulation
- The body’s average internal thermostat is 98.6℉ (37℃)
- The body maintains thermoregulation through evaporation, perspiration, radiation, and insulation.
- Millions os sweat glands release heat from the body through perspiration to keep from overheating.
- Blood flow and vessel dilation assist in cooling the body.
- Fat layers help to insulate and warm the body.
What is an Esthetician’s primary focus?
Preserving, Protecting, and Nourishing the Skin.
What is the Arrector Pili Muscles?
Small, involuntary muscles in the base of the hair follicle that causes “gooses bumps” when the appendage contracts.
Describe the skin function; Excretion
Sweat Glands (sudoriferous glands) excrete perspiration and detoxify the body by excreting excess water, salt, and unwanted chemicals through the pores.
What are Sudoriferous Glands?
- Also known as Sweat Glands.
- Excrete perspiration, regulate body temperature, and detoxify the body by excreting excess salt & unwanted chemicals.
Define: Pores
Tube-like openings for sweat glands on the epidermis.
Describe the skin function; Secretion
- Oil Glands (sebaceous glands) which produce sebum, help keep the skin softand protected from outside elements.
- Sebum coating the surface of the skin slows down the evaporation of water & helps maintain water levels in the cells.
Define: Follicles
Hair follicles and sebaceous follicles are tube-like openings in the epidermis.
Describe the skin function; Absorption
- Absorption of ingredients, water, and oxygen is necessary for our skins health.
- The skin selectively absorbs topical products, & creams through the cells, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands.
- Vitamin D is synthesized and produced in the skin upon exposure to the sun.