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Ingumentary system
Skin
15
Physiology
Undergraduate 4
06/06/2013

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Cards

Term
What is the largest organ in the body by size and weight? and what is its function?
Definition
The skin. It functions to protect us from pathogens, prevent excessive evaporation of water, and to regulate body temperature.
Term
what are the three main layers of skin from the outermost to innermost layer?
Definition
epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
Term
The deepest part of the epidermis is called the _____ ______ and is where skin cells are replenished.
Definition
stratum basale
Term
Keratinized
Definition
As skin cells age they become filled with the protein keratin, making the skin waterproof
Term
What is the function of melanin?
Definition
To absorb UV rays and protect underlying tissues from the sun.
Term
Name 4 main things found in the dermis layer of the skin.
Definition
1. sensory receptors
2. hair follicles
3. sudoiferous (sweat) glands
4. sebaceous (oil) glands
Term
What kind of tissue is the dermis composed of?
Definition
various cell types in a connective tissue matrix.
Term
What are the main ingredients of sweat?
Definition
water, electrolytes, and urea
Term
What is the purpose of sweat?
Definition
to allow loss of excess heat by evaporation.
Term
People in hot climates have increased levels of what, to conserve sodium?
Definition
aldosterone
Term
The hypodermis consists of what kind of tissue?
Definition
adipose (fat)
Term
Homeotherm
Definition
Something with a relatively constant body temperature.
Term
How do homeotherms such as bears increase their temperature? and what is this process known as?
Definition
By burning brown adipose tissue in a process called chemical thermogenesis or non-shivering thermogenesis.
Term
Humans use what 4 strategies to increase their temperature?
Definition
1. Contraction of skeletal muscles (shivering or jumping up and down)
2. The skin insulates us, so heat is conserved when generated by our metabolism.
3. Cutaneous Vasoconstriction. constriction of blood vessels, less accessible to conduction.
4. Clothing and blankets
Term
How do humans get rid of excess heat? (2)
Definition
1. Cutaneous vasodilation. dilation of blood vessels. more susceptible to conduction heat loss.
2. Sweating, heat loss by evaporation.
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