Integumentary System - Module 3

Question 1

What are the functions of the Integumentary System?

Answer 1

• Protecting body from sun’s ultraviolet rays and pathogens
• Maintaining temperature
• Eliminating waste (through perspiration)
• Helping response to touch sensation (through skin nerves)
• Absorbing substances (like medication)
• Helping produce vitamin D (through sunlight)
• Temporarily storing fat, glucose, water, vitamins, and salt(s)

Question 2

What are the 3 layers of skin?

(outermost to innermost)

Answer 2

• Epidermis - contains no blood vessels/nerve cells (just for protection)
• Dermis - made up of connective tissue, contains vessels, nerves, (involuntary) muscle, and glands
• Hypodermis - made up of elastic/fibrous/fatty connective tissue, connects skin to muscle, and protects body organs

Question 3

What are the two types of pigmentation?

Answer 3

• Melanin - brownish-black pigment (results in black, brown, or yellow skin tint) also absorbs UV light to tan skin, and can form freckles
• Carotene - yellow-red pigment that influences skin color

Question 4

What are the skin glands? Which is deeper?

Answer 4

• Sudoriferous glands - sweat glands which extend through the dermis and form skin pores and allow perspiration
• Sebaceous glands - oil glands that open onto hair follicles and produce sebum (an oil that keeps hair soft/pliable and acts as a barrier against infection)

The Sudoriferous gland is deep to the Sebaceous gland (Sebaceous gland closer to skin)

Question 5

What are the parts of a hair strand?

superficial to deep

Answer 5

• Hair shaft
• Hair follicle
• Hair root

Question 6

What are finger and toenails made of?

Answer 6

Hardened, dead epithelial cells

Question 7

Define: Macule, Papule, Wheal

Answer 7

• Macule: Flat, discolored area of skin
• Papule: Small, raised solid pimple
• Wheal: Red, swollen mark left by pressure