Chapter 4: The Integumentary System Flashcards
What are the functions of the integumentary system?
Keeps water and other precious molecules in the body, keeps water and other things out of the body, insulates and cushions deep body organs. Protects the body from mechanical, chemical, thermal, damage as well as ultraviolet radiation and bacteria. Insulates body from extreme temperatures. Mini-excretory system.
How does the integumentary system insulate from extreme temperatures?
Vasodilatation and constriction allow the skin to retain heat or let it our. The sweat glands also help with cooling the body through evaporative cooling.
How does the integumentary system cushion deep body organs?
Because the hypodermis is made up mostly of adipose or fat tissue that serves as a padding to protects from mechanical damage.
How does the integumentary system protect from bacteria?
Because the sebaceous glands release oil that helps kill bacteria because they require oxygen to function and the oil stops them from getting it.
How does the integumentary system act as a mini-excretory system?
Because as is sweats, it releases urea, salts and water.
How does the integumentary system protect the us from ultraviolet damage?
THe skin contains spider shaped cells called melanocytes. When skin is exposed to sunlight, these cells produce melanin which is transported to the end of melanocytes spidery arms and then carried to the surface of the skin by keratinocytes. Inside the keratinocytes, the melanin forms a pigment umbrella over the superficial or “sunny” side of their nuclei and shields their genetic material from the ultraviolet rays.
