Integumentary System

Question 1

State the functions of the integumentary system.

Answer 1

• Protection
• Temperature maintenance
• Storage of nutrients
• Sensory reception
• Excretion and secretion

Question 2

Name the layers of skin.

Answer 2

Epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.

Question 3

State the location of Stratum Germinativum.

Answer 3

Deepest epidermal layer. Connects to the basement membrane, which separates the epidermis from the dermis.

Question 4

State the function of the Stratum Germinativum.

Answer 4

Forms epidermal ridges that increase the area of contact with the dermis. Epidermal ridges increase the gripping and skin sensitivity of the palms and soles. Increases the diffusion between the epidermis and dermis. Epidermal ridges form the fingerprints. New cells are generated and begin to grow. Contains melanocytes.

Question 5

Where is the Stratum Corneum located?

Answer 5

The most superficial layer of the epidermis consisting of flattened and dead cells that have accumulated large amounts of keratin.

Question 6

State the function of the Stratum Corneum.

Answer 6

Protective layer of epidermis. Only 10% of cell weight is water. Only 1/100,000th as permeable to water and electrolytes as other epithelia.

Question 7

How long does it take for a cell to move from the Stratum Germinativum to the Stratum Corneum?

Answer 7

2-4 weeks

Question 8

How long do cells stay in the Stratum Corneum?

Answer 8

2 weeks

Question 9

Define keratin.

Answer 9

Strong, light, flexible, durable, and water-resistant protein.

Question 10

Define the function of melanocytes.

Answer 10

Manufactures and stores melanin and injects it into the epithelial cells of the Stratum Germinativum and Stratum Spinosum. Melanocyte activity increases in response to sunlight, peaking around 10 days after exposure.

Question 11

Describe the function of melanin.

Answer 11

Brown, brown-yellow, or black pigment produced by melanocytes. Concentrates around the nuclear envelope in epidermal cells and absorb UV radiation before it can damage the nuclear DNA.

Question 12

Define carotene.

Answer 12

An orange-yellow pigment that accumulates inside epidermal cells. Found in a variety of orange colored vegetables.

Question 13

Where does hair originate?

Answer 13

follicles

Question 14

State the function of hairs on the scalp.

Answer 14

Protects from UV light Cushions light blows Insulates the skull

Question 15

State the functions of the hairs guarding the entrance to the nostrils, external ear canals, and the eyelashes.

Answer 15

prevent entry of foreign particles and insects

Question 16

What is the function of the sensory nerve at the base of each hair follicle?

Answer 16

early warning system

Question 17

State the function of nails.

Answer 17

protect exposed tips Limit distortion when you apply pressure

Question 18

Describe the functions of secretions of the sebaceous glands.

Answer 18

Discharge a waxy, oily secretion called sebum into the hair follicles. Sebum lubricates the hair shaft to prevent its drying and breaking, and its low pH inhibits the growth of some types of bacteria.

Question 19

Where are Apocrine sweat glands found?

Answer 19

armpits Nipples Groin

Question 20

Where are Merocrine (eccrine) sweat glands found and what are their functions?

Answer 20

They are found all over the body with a high concentration in the palms and soles. They secrete perspiration which cools the surface of the skin and reduces body temperature.

Question 21

How do the arterioles in the dermis respond to heat, cold, and stress?

Answer 21

heat - dilate, skin has reddish tint Cold - constrict, skin turns pale and causes cyanosis Stress - constrict, skin turns pale

Question 22

Define subcutaneous tissue and list its functions.

Answer 22

Network of connective tissue fibers that connect the dermis to the underlying subcutaneous layer. Stabilizes the position of the skin in relation to underlying tissues and organs.

Question 23

What is the subcutaneous layer consist of?

Answer 23

Loose connective tissue with many fat cells.

Question 24

Describe the functions of the subcutaneous layer.

Answer 24

reduces heat loss energy reserves absorbs shock elastic

Question 25

Describe the relationship between vitamin D, skin, and sunshine.

Answer 25

When skin is exposed to UV radiation, epidermal cells convert a steroid related to cholesterol into vitamin D which is absorbed by the liver and convert ted by the kidneys into calcitriol, a hormone essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the small intestine.