Unit 2 Flashcards
What are the functions of the skin?
To keep harmful substances out
To keep water and electrolytes in
Protect internal structures and organs
Regulates body temperature
What are the sensory roles of the skin?
Can sense temperature, pain, pressure, and touch
Is the skin an organ?
Yes, it is the largest organ in the body
What are two other names for the skin system?
Integumentary system
Cutaneous membrane
What are the two distinct layers of the skin?
Epidermis
Dermis
What is the epidermis?
A thin outer layer of the skin
What is the function of the epidermis?
Insensible perspiration
Keratinization
What is keratinization?
A process by which skin cells are hardened and flattened with keratin as they move towards the surface
What are some of the characteristics of keratin?
Water proof, toughens, strengthens
What is the dermis
An inner layer of the skin
What is the dermis made of?
Fibrous connective tissue
What are characteristics of the dermis?
Strong and elastic
Contains blood vessels
Nervous tissue
Small amount of muscle tissue
What are the accessory glands of the dermis?
Glands
Receptors
Nerves
What is the subcutaneous layer?
Tissue that lies beneath the skin: hypodermis
What is the subcutaneous layer made of?
It is formed of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue
What are the main roles of the subcutaneous layer?
Insulate the body from extreme temperatures
Anchor the skin to the underlying structure (muscle)
How is skin color determined?
Genes
Physiology
Pathology
Why is some skin darker than others?
People with darker skin have more melanin which causes the pigment to become darker. The more melanin secreted the darker the skin is
What is a melanocyte?
It secretes melanin in the epidermis
What is yellow pigment caused from?
Carotene. Most melanin overshadows carotene’s tint