Function of the Skin Flashcards
(28 cards)
How do anti-bacterial substances help with protection?
becomes present in sebum and sweat that keeps the bacteria from multiplying.
(this bacteria that invades the skin are attacked by macrophages and leukocytes).
How does Keratin help with protection?
it prevents dehydration and absorption of excess water.
waterproof nature
How does melanin help with protection?
they protect against damage from Ultra-Violet radiation.
What are the functions of the skin?
Protection, transdermal adsorption, synthesis of vitamin D, excretion, sensory reception, temperature regulation, wound healing.
Describe transdermal absorption.
ability to absorb drugs and/or chemicals across epidermis which could be good or dangerous.
why is nitroglycerine absorbed in transdermal absorption?
it absorbed to relieve heart pain.
Why is scopolamine absorbed in transdermal absorption?
to reduce motion sickness.
what do nicotine patches do?
help to quit smoking.
Why are hormones absorbed in transdermal absorption?
for the purpose of birth control.
what are some toxins that can be dangerous in transdermal absorption?
poison ivy, organic solvents, and metal salts.
Describe synthesis of vitamin D.
when exposure to ultraviolet light can help to convert a form of cholesterol into vitamin D.
What is the purpose of perspiration for the skin?
eliminates some organic wastes, salts, and water from the body.
What happens in the sensory receptors of the skin?
nerve endings detect stimuli that get interpreted as touch pressure, temperature, or pain.
Describe thermo-regulation.
regulation of body temperature by the skin and other organs.
How does excessive heat affect thermo-regulation?
It triggers the thermo-receptors in the skin to send nerve signals to a temperature control region in the hypothalamus of the brain.
what is the signal in excessive heat?
sweat glands will increase perspiration which cools body as sweat evaporates.
What is the response of excessive heat?
dermal blood vessels dilate and blood flow increase so more heat can be released.
How does extreme cold affect thermo-regulation?
triggers thermoreceptors in the skin to send nerve signals to the temperature control region in the hypthalamus.
Signal for extreme cold.
signals get sent to the dermal blood vessels that reduce blood flow to conserve heat.
response for extreme cold.
involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles cause shivering - produces heat to compensate for loss of heat from body’s surface.
Define Regeneration for wound healing.
replaces dead or damaged cells resulting from cuts, scrapes, and/or burns with the same cell type in order to restore normal function to the tissue.
What does fibrosis do in regeneration?
replaces damaged tissue with scar tissue that consists mainly of collagen fibers so normal function gets altered.
What is the inflammatory phase in wound healing?
mast cells escape from damaged blood vessels or release histamine in order to increase blood flow to the site of the wound.
What is the migratory phase in wound healing?
blood clot forms and scabs over to temporarily seal the wound.
