Functions of the Skin:
1. Protection- acts as a barrier and
provides protection from mechanical impacts and pressure, variations in
temperature, micro-organisms, radiation and chemicals
2. Regulation- regulates several aspects of physiology, like body temperature (sweat and hair), and changes in peripheral circulation and fluid balance (sweat). Your skin regulates your body temperature through blood vessels and through the process of sweating 3. Sensation- contains an extensive network of nerve cells that detect and relay changes in the environment. There are separate receptors for heat, cold, touch, and pain. 4. Produces vitamin D Components of the Skin:1.
Corneal layer- outer layer of the epidermis, consisting of several layers of flat
keratinized nonnucleated cells.
2. Basal layer- deepest layer of the five epidermis layers, cell division occurs here that replaces old skin cells 3. melanocytes- specialized cells that produce melanin to block additional rays and produces skin color 4. Hair follicle- extended pit under skin’s surface that contains cells that produce the keratin that forms hair. 5. Sweat gland- found all over the body and help control body temperature, small gland that secretes sweat, situated in the dermis of the skin 6. nerve- help maintain sensory reception in skin (pain, touch, temperature) 7. Sebaceous gland- produce oils that lubricate the skin and keep it waterproof 8. Erector muscle- a muscle that’s connected to each hair follicle and the skin- it contracts (in response to fear, cold, etc.) resulting in an erect hair and a “goosebump” on the skin 9. fat- provides energy and key components in cell membranes 10. Blood vessels- act as transportation networks for the blood |
Three Layers of the Skin:
1. Epidermis-
Skin Disorders:
1. Carcinomas- a cancer arising in the epithelial tissue of the skin or of the lining of the internal organs
2. Malignant Melanoma- when something goes wrong in the pigment producing cells that give color to the skin. When the cells get out of control, they can form tumor. It is very dangerous because if it is left untreated, it starts to invade into the skin. When it reaches the blood stream, it has a chance to spread other parts of the body and cause death. 3. Acne- the occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands on the skin; condition characterized by red pimples on the face 4. Psoriasis- a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches |