Skin Functions

Question 1

Skin function - 1, S ?

Answer 1

Sensation - the skin is a sensory organ and the sensations of touch, pressure, pain, heat and cold are identified by sensory nerves and receptors in the skin. This information is then sent to the brain for deciding and initiating the appropriate bodily response. The skin also allows us to recognise objects bey their feel and shape.

Question 2

Skin function- 2, H?

Answer 2

Heat regulation- we maintain a normal body temperature of 36.8-36. Body temperature is controlled by heat loss through the skin and by sweating. If the temperature of the body is increased by 0.25 - 0.5 the sweat glands excrete sweat onto the skins surface. If the body becomes to warn there’s is an increase in blood flow into the blood capillaries in the skin. The blood capillaries widen (dilate) this is known as vasodilation and heat is lost from the skin. Hair limits heat loss from the scalp. If the external temperature becomes low and the body needs to conserve heat there is a reduction in blood flow into the blood capillaries in the skin. The blood capillaries become narrower (constrict) so less blood is brought to the skins surface, this is called vasoconstriction.

Question 3

Skin functions- 3, A ?

Answer 3

Absorption- although the skin is structured to prevent itself from penetration by harmful substances, absorption may take place through the sweat glands, hair follicles and epidermal cells for a beneficial effect. Water and fat-soluble substances such as essential oils are examples of products absorbed by the skin.

Question 4

Skin functions- 4, P?

Answer 4

The skin protects the body from potentially harmful substances and conditions
• the outer surface is bacterial, helping to prevent the multiplication of harmful micro-organisms, it also prevents the absorption of many substances (unless the surface is broken) because of the structure of the cells on its outer surface, which form a chemical and physical barrier
• the skin cushions the underlying structure from physical injury
• the skin provides a waterproof coating, it’s natural oil sebum, prevents the skin from losing vital water, and therefore helps to prevent skin dehydration
• the skin contains a pigment or colour called melanin. This absorbs harmful rays of UV light.
• the skin has a warning system against outside invasion. Redness and irritation of the skin indicate that the skin is intolerant or allergic to something, this can be internal or external.

Question 5

Skin functions - 5, E?

Answer 5

Excretion- small amounts of certain waste products, such as urea, water and salt are removed front the body in sweat by excretions form the sweat glands through the surface of the skin from its pores.

Question 6

Skin functions - 6 S?

Answer 6

The skin secretes it’s natural oil, sebum, which is a mixture of fats and waxes and covers the skins entire surface except the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, it helps protect the skin

Question 7

Skin functions - 7 V?

Answer 7

Vitamin D production, the skin is responsible for producing a big proportion of our vitamin D which is created by a chemical reaction when sunlight is in contact with the skin.