The skin

Question 1

what is the largest organ in the body

Answer 1

skin

Question 2

name the layers of skin

Answer 2

epidermis

dermis

Question 3

describe the epidermis

Answer 3

very thin layer
constantly renews
old cells shed from its surface
supported by thick layer called dermis

Question 4

describe the dermis

Answer 4

contains supportive fibres, elastic fibres, protective cells and fat cells
has a rich network of blood vessels and nerve fibres

Question 5

name two tiny glands that originate in the dermis

Answer 5

sweat glands

sebaceous glands

Question 6

describe sweat glands

Answer 6

watery solution containing waste products and salts

Question 7

describe sebaceous glands

Answer 7

secrete sebum, an oily substance which protects the skin

Question 8

describe hair follicles

Answer 8

originate in the dermis

constantly generate hair made of protein called keratin

Question 9

describe skin creases

Answer 9

termed as stress lines
form regions where skin is most flexible
guide for surgical incisions as heal better
useful landmarks for acupuncture points

Question 10

in chinese medicine how is the skin govern?

Answer 10

lungs and large intestine

Question 11

in chinese medicine how is the hair governed?

Answer 11

body hair -lung

hair on the scalp - kidney

Question 12

what are subcutaneous tissues?

Answer 12

they consist of fibres, elastic fibres, plentiful fat cells
have a rich blood and nervous supply
dense subcutaneous tissues and fibres form layers call fascia - meaning bundles of fibres

Question 13

what happens to skin as we get older?

Answer 13

we become more yin

elasticity decreases

Question 14

in chinese medicine what are the subcutaneous tissues dominated by?

Answer 14

spleen and stomach

to a lesser extent the liver and gall bladder