Chapter 6: Integumentary System

Question 1

List the functions of the skin

Answer 1

1. Barrier
2. Vitamin D synthesis
3. Sensation
4. Thermoregulation

Question 2

what happens during the epidermis “keratinization”

Answer 2

Keratinocytes start creating and storing keratin in the stratum granulosum (3rd layer from the stratum basale).When they reach the stratum corneum, their nuclei and organelle disintegrate, leaving only the plasma membrane and keratin filling the cell. Keratin is a strong, water-resistant layer protecting the body’s integrity.

Question 3

Describe the basic structure of a hair and hair follicle

Answer 3

Hair is divided into 3 zones along its length:

1. Bulb-swelling at base where hair originates in the dermis/hypodermis
2. Root- the remainder of the hair within the follicle
3. Shaft- the portion above the skin surface.

Question 4

Name the two types of sweat glands and describe the location and function of each.

Answer 4

• Apocrine
• Groin, anal region, axilla, areola, beard area
• Scent glands that respond to stress and sexual stimulation. (Secrete sex pheromones)
• Eccrine
• Distributed over whole body; abundant on palms, soles, and forehead.
• Primary function is to cool the body.

Question 5

What are sebaceous glands and what do they produce?

Answer 5

1. Flask-shaped short ducts that open into hair follicles and some directly open onto the skin surface. They produce sebum

Question 6

What is unique about the mechanism(s) of secretion used by mammary gland cells relative to other sweat glands?

Answer 6

They’re modified apocrine sweat glands that produce richer secretion (breast milk).

Question 7

What specific cell types are associated with the three most common forms of skin cancer?

Answer 7

1. Basal cell carcinoma
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Melanoma

Question 8

Which tissue layers are typically affected by 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree burns?

Answer 8

• 1st- epidermis
• 2nd – epidermis & part of dermis
• 3rd –epidermis, dermis, sometimes muscle and bone

Question 9

explain how a hair follicle and fingernail are similar

Answer 9

Both hair and fingernails nails are made from keratin (strong protein). With both hair and nails, the only living, actively growing part is located underneath the skin. Hair and fingernails grow out from a matrix. In hair, this matrix is known as the hair follicle. Cells grow out from the matrix, and older cells eventually are pushed out by newer cells growing in. The newer cells cause the older cells to become compacted, and as the cells are further removed from their blood supply, they form keratin proteins and begin to harden into the hair fiber, or nail, that we see.

Question 10

What is cerumen and where would you typically find it?

Answer 10

They’re found only in the external ear canal. Sebum and dead epidermal cells combine to form cerumen (ear wax).