Functions of the Skin Flashcards
what are the 6 functions of the skin
metabolism and detox barrier thermoregulation communication sensory immune defence
what is the skin a barrier to
friction/metabolic trauma
UV radiation
chemicals
pathogens
what does the skin metabolise
vitamin D
thyroid hormone
describe vitamin D metabolism
7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to Vit D3 by UVB
describe thyroid metabolism
thyroxine (T4) -> triiodothyronine (T3)
occurs in skin
what happens in thermoregulation to change body temperature
behavioural changes
control sweating, shivering and blood supply
what cells are involved in immune defences
Langerhan’s cells and T cells
what is involved in communication
visual, odour, sociosexual
what happens in failure of the barrier function
fluid loss -> dehydration
protein loss -> hypoalbuminaemia
infection
what happens in failure of the thermoregulation function
heat loss -> hypothermia
what happens in failure of the immune function
spread of infection
what happens in failure of the metabolic function
disordered thyroxine metabolism
what happens in failure of the communication function
inability to display health - stigma
