Integument Physiology

Question 1

What are the functions of the integument

Answer 1

-protection
-Immune defence
-Sensing environment
-thermoregulation
-Storage and excretion
-communication and camouflage
-Selective permeability

Question 2

Name 3 types of skin sensors

Answer 2

Mechanoreceptors (ie pacinian corpuscle)
Nociceptors (ie free nerve endings)
Thermoreceptors (ie free nerve endings)

Question 3

Homeostasis

Answer 3

Maintenance of constant conditions within the body’s internal environment (ie control of temp, pH, waste products, salt, water)

Question 4

How is homeostasis controlled?

Answer 4

Controlled by the brain in a region called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus coordinates activities of autonomic nervous system.

Question 5

How is temperature homeostasis (thermoregulation) controlled?

Answer 5

Hypothalamus receives nerve impulses from thermoreceptors within the skin. Thermosensors also found in hypothalamus, spinal cord, organs and nasal/oral cavities

Question 6

Homeotherms

Answer 6

(Mammals/birds) Thermoregulation using metabolic heat

Question 7

Poikilotherms

Answer 7

(reptiles/fish) Thermoregulation using external environmental heat

Question 8

Is thermoregulation a negative or positive feedback mechanism?

Answer 8

Negative feedback mechanism

Question 9

Describe why thermoregulation is a negative feedback mechanism involving the hypothalamus.

Answer 9

Hypothalamus has a heat loss centre that detects higher than set point so starts process of heat loss. When the temp is corrected the heat loss centre turns OFF

Hypothalamus has a heat conservation centre that detects lower than set point so starts process of generating/conserving heat. When the temp is corrected the heat conservation centre switches OFF

Question 10

How do animals produce heat?

Question 11

How do animals lose heat?