Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body Study Guide
Unit 4 Lecture Study Guide
Use the lecture folder to help you complete this guide. The more detail you can provide the better prepared for the test you will be.
1. What is the integumentary system and its primary characteristics?
The integumentary system is the skin and its derivatives; it provides external protection for the body. Its characteristics are: covers the entire body, accounts for about 7% of total body weight, pliable, yet durable, thickness: 1.5 to 4.0 mm, composed of the epidermis and dermis.
2. Describe and give at least one example of each of the functions of the integumentary system.
Protection – 3 different barriers: Chemical Barriers (skin secretion and melanin) Physical/Mechanical Barriers – continuity of the skin and hardness of keratinized cells Biological Barriers – Langerhans’ cells, macrophages, and DNA
Body temperature- Production of copious amounts of sweat to dissipate heat; Constriction of dermal blood vessels to retain heat
Cutaneous Sensation- cutaneous sensory receptors (nervous system)
Metabolic Functions - Synthesis of Vitamin D – increases calcium absorption in the body; Chemical conversion of many substances
Blood Reservoir- vasoconstriction and vasodilation
Excretion- elimination of nitrogen-containing wastes, salt, and water
3. Differentiate between chemical, physical/mechanical and biological barriers provided by the integumentary system. Be sure to provide a minimum of one example for each.
Chemical- skin secretion and melanin (acid mantle)
Physical/Mechanical- continuity of the skin and hardness of keratinized cells (oxygen carbon dioxide and steroids)
Biological- Langerhans’ cells, macrophages, and DNA (the cells in the epidermis present antigens to lymphocytes)
4. Create a chart that helps you differentiate the epidermis and dermis. Be sure to include things such as cell composition, cell populations and layers.
Epidermis
Dermis
Stratified squamous epithelium
Five
Use the lecture folder to help you complete this guide. The more detail you can provide the better prepared for the test you will be.
1. What is the integumentary system and its primary characteristics?
The integumentary system is the skin and its derivatives; it provides external protection for the body. Its characteristics are: covers the entire body, accounts for about 7% of total body weight, pliable, yet durable, thickness: 1.5 to 4.0 mm, composed of the epidermis and dermis.
2. Describe and give at least one example of each of the functions of the integumentary system.
Protection – 3 different barriers: Chemical Barriers (skin secretion and melanin) Physical/Mechanical Barriers – continuity of the skin and hardness of keratinized cells Biological Barriers – Langerhans’ cells, macrophages, and DNA
Body temperature- Production of copious amounts of sweat to dissipate heat; Constriction of dermal blood vessels to retain heat
Cutaneous Sensation- cutaneous sensory receptors (nervous system)
Metabolic Functions - Synthesis of Vitamin D – increases calcium absorption in the body; Chemical conversion of many substances
Blood Reservoir- vasoconstriction and vasodilation
Excretion- elimination of nitrogen-containing wastes, salt, and water
3. Differentiate between chemical, physical/mechanical and biological barriers provided by the integumentary system. Be sure to provide a minimum of one example for each.
Chemical- skin secretion and melanin (acid mantle)
Physical/Mechanical- continuity of the skin and hardness of keratinized cells (oxygen carbon dioxide and steroids)
Biological- Langerhans’ cells, macrophages, and DNA (the cells in the epidermis present antigens to lymphocytes)
4. Create a chart that helps you differentiate the epidermis and dermis. Be sure to include things such as cell composition, cell populations and layers.
Epidermis
Dermis
Stratified squamous epithelium
Five