Exam 4 Part 9 Flashcards
What are the functions of skin?
Waterproof covering, keep out pathogens, barrier against invasion by outside organisms, protects underlying tissue from injury, maintain temperature
Produced at base of the epidermis by melanocytes; determines how light or dark your skin is
Melanin
Where are melanocytes located?
Between epidermis and dermis
What is the function of melanocytes?
Produces melanin to protect from UV rays
What determines skin color variability?
How much melanin is produced determines our skin color
Why do chimps’ skin darken?
Darkens with age and sun exposure
____ pigmented skin blocks out more UV radiation
Heavily
What does intense solar radiation result in (2)?
Sunburn, skin cancer
What 2 climatic factors and environmental factors associated with skin color?
Latitude, elevation
The closer someone is to the equator, the ______ the skin color
Darker
Solar radiation doubles every _____ feet
5,000
What happens to radiation intensity as you get closer to the equator and higher altitudes?
Increases
____ degree burns (skin peeling)
First
____ degree burns (blisters)
Second
What are some results of sun burns?
Pain, exhaustion, dehydration, loss of appetite, weakness, disorientation, open wounds, increase in infection
What is the driving pressure for humans to develop darker skin?
Prevention of sun burn, defend against folate deficiency
What happens if you have damage to your sweat glands due to sunburn?
Problems with handling heat stress
Destroyed by excessive UV radiation
Folate
What happens if women or men have a folate deficiency?
Birth defects, impair spermatogenesis in men
What are some advantages of having lighter skin?
Vitamin D absorption from UV rays
