Skin

Question 1

Function of skin

Answer 1

• acts as barrier to protect insides but let fluid (sweat) pass through
• thermal control: sin temp 34C core 37C
• maintains basic shape
• tough and capable of self-repair
• sensor system

Question 2

Four ways to loose heat from body

Answer 2

• conduction from body to air or ground
• convection (air passing over body)
• radiation - if you’re hotter that your surroundings you emit more infrared than you receive
• evaporation of sweat / heat loss through breathing

Question 3

Phases of wound healing

Answer 3

• inflammatory phase: blood vessels contract, platelets aggregate and clots form. Then blood vessels dilate and cells engulf foreign bodies
• proliferation phase: fibroblasts lay beds of collagen, new capillaries form, wound edges draw together and new epithelial layers form
• remodelling phase: new collagen forms and tensile strength increases - scar tissue lacks elastin

Question 4

Skin replacement requirements

Answer 4

• close to physical properties of skin
• minimal risk of transmitting disease
• attach well to wound bed and connect well to existing network of blood vessels
• capable of self repair
• convenient