Integumentary System Flashcards
What are the five main functions of the skin?
Protects body from infection, controls body temperature, eliminates waste, gathers information about the environment outside the body, and makes vitamin D.
What is the epidermis?
Waterproof layer of dead skin cells that protect the body from the outside world.
What does the dermis contain?
Nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, & oil glands.
What is the function of the hypodermis?
Contains fat to insulate the body from the cold.
What is the role of hair follicles?
Grows hair for warmth and protection.
What do sweat glands do?
Release sweat to cool the body.
What is the function of oil glands?
Release oil to moisturize and waterproof the skin.
What is the purpose of nerves in the skin?
Allow you to feel the world outside of your body.
How does the skin contribute to vitamin D production?
Absorbs UV radiation from the sun to make vitamin D.
What is the largest organ of the body?
The skin.
How does sweating cool the body?
Sweat cools the body when it evaporates off of your skin.
What other components are included in the integumentary system?
Hair and nails.
How many dead skin cells do humans shed each minute?
30,000-40,000 dead skin cells.
Approximately how many skin cells are shed per day?
Almost 1 million skin cells.
How much dead skin cells do humans shed every year?
About 9 pounds.
What is most of the ‘dust’ in your house actually made of?
Dead skin cells.
What determines skin, hair, and eye color?
The amount of pigment called melanin.
