Functions of the Integumentary System Flashcards

1
Q
  • Protects deeper tissues from:

* Mechanical damage (bumps)

A
  • Physical barrier contains keratin, which toughens cells
  • Fat cells to cushion blows
  • Contains both pressure and pain receptors, which alert the nervous system to possible damage
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2
Q

Chemical damage (acids and bases)

A
  • Has relatively impermeable keratinized cells

* Contains pain receptors, which alert the nervous system to possible damage

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3
Q

Microbe damage

A
  • Has an unbroken surface and “acid mantle” (skin secretions are acidic and thus inhibit microbes, such as bacteria)
  • Phagocytes ingest foreign substances and pathogens, preventing them from penetrating into deeper body tissues
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4
Q

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (damaging effects of sunlight or tanning beds)

A

• Melanin produced by melanocytes offers protection from UV damage

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5
Q

Thermal (heat or cold) damage

A

Contains heat/cold/pain receptors

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6
Q

Desiccation (drying out)

A

Contains a water-resistant glycolipid and keratin

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7
Q

Aids in body heat loss or heat retention (controlled by the nervous system)

A
  • Heat loss: By activating sweat glands and by allowing blood to flush into skin capillary beds so that heat can radiate from the skin surface
  • Heat retention: By not allowing blood to flush into skin capillary beds
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8
Q

Aids in excretion of urea and uric acid

A

Contained in perspiration produced by sweat glands

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9
Q

Synthesizes vitamin D

A

Modified cholesterol molecules in skin converted to vitamin D in the presence of sunlight

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