S.H.A.P.E.S & V.I.B

Question 1

Secretion

Answer 1

• Secrets sebum (a fatty substance)
• Helps keep hair & skin soft & supple
• Forms part of the acid mantle
• Secreted sweat also forms part of the acid mantle

Question 2

Heat Regulation

Answer 2

• Capillaries constrict (vasoconstriction) to retain heat. E.g. Arrector pili muscle is attached to the base of the hair follicle, creates ‘goose bumps’ to generate heat when the body is cold
• Capillaries dilate (vasodilation) to cool the body down. Sweat glands will excrete sweat onto the skin to cool the body down

Question 3

Absorption

Answer 3

• Skin can absorb small amounts of substances from products, such as, harsh solvents, chemical & heavy metals

Question 4

Protection

Answer 4

• The acid mantle acts as a barrier to foreign substances and micro-organisms (sebum is bactericidal)
• Glands produce sebum which protects hair & skin from being dry & brittle
• Melanin produced to protect us from UV rays
• Skin is waterproof, epidermis acts as a barrier

Question 5

Excretion

Answer 5

• Glands excrete sweat to remove waste products from body

Question 6

Sensation

Answer 6

• Never endings react to touch, pressure, pain, heat & cold

Question 7

Vitamin D Production

Answer 7

• Sebum contains a fatty substance called 7-dehydro-cholestero. When UV rays touch our skin, this substance is converted into Vitamin D
• Vitamin D is essential for health
• Aids calcium and phosphorus (maintains healthy teeth and bones)

Question 8

Immunity

Answer 8

• Langerhans cells in the epidermis and macrophages in the dermis phagocytise bacteria & foreign particles

Question 9

Blood Reservoir

Answer 9

• Through capillary action in the dermis, vasoconstriction allows the body to adjust the amount of blood flowing in the peripheral circulation
• The skin stores approximately 5% of the total blood volume