Chapter 6 Integumentary System

Question 1

Main functions of the integumentary system (skin)

Answer 1

primary function is to

• protect
• maintain water balance
• regulate temperature
• excretion
• shock absorption

Question 2

skin Protection

Answer 2

serves as a barrier to keep out microorganism, debris, and unwanted chemicals

-underlying tissue is protected from the environment and helps to preserve the chemical balance of body fluids & tissues

Question 3

water balance

Answer 3

helps prevent water loss, and outside water from entering the body

Question 4

temperature regulation

Answer 4

blood vessels in the skin can dilate to carry more blood to the skin, allowing heat to radiate from the body.

• when body needs to conserve heat the blood vessels can constrict to prevent heat loss.
• sweat glands found in the skin can produce perspiration which will evaporate and help cool the body.
• the fat layer beneath the skin also serves as a thermal insulator

Question 5

excretion

Answer 5

salts and excess water can be released through the skin

-also known as sweat

Question 6

shock (impact absorption)

Answer 6

the skin and its layers of fat can help protect the underlying organs from minor impacts

Question 7

Skins layers

Answer 7

1 epidermis

2 dermis

3 subcutaneous layer

Question 8

epidermis

Answer 8

composed of 4 layers everywhere on your body except for the palms of your hand, and soles of your feet.

• these areas have 5 layers
• the outer most layers of these are composed of dead cells
• the cells of the innermost layer actively divide, replacing cells of the outer layers
• epidermis contains no blood vessels, or nerves.

Question 9

dermis

Answer 9

area below the epidermis

• rich in blood vessels
• nerves
• sweat glands
• sebaceous glands (oil glands)
• hair frolicles
• nerve endings that can detect heat, cold, pleasure, pain (sensory type nerves)

-injury to this layer can cause infection, intense bleeding and pain

Question 10

subcutaneous layer

Answer 10

layers of fat that are below the dermis

• shock absorption
• insulation
• bleeding and pain when these layers are injured or exposed