Integumentary

• What is the integumentary system?


  The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body that forms a physical barrier between the external and internal environments.
• What is the primary function of the integumentary system?


  It serves to protect and maintain the body, acting as the first line of defense against bacteria and injury.
• How does the integumentary system help regulate body temperature?


  It helps regulate body temperature by allowing sensations of hot and cold to be felt.
• What are the components of the integumentary system?


  The integumentary system consists of skin, hair, nails, and glands.
• What role do glands play in the integumentary system?


  Glands in the integumentary system produce substances like oil, wax, and sweat.
• What is a gland?


  A gland is a group of cells or an organ that produces and releases a chemical substance.
• What is the epidermis?


  The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin that contains keratin and squamous epithelial cells.
• What is the role of keratin in the epidermis?


  Keratin plays a role in the protection of the body and prevents the skin from becoming waterlogged.
• How long does it take for old cells in the epidermis to be lost?


  This process takes roughly 3-4 weeks.
• What do keratinocytes produce?

  Keratinocytes produce the protein keratin.
• What is the function of Langerhans cells in the skin?


  Langerhans cells prevent harmful substances from entering the skin.
• What do melanocytes produce?


  Melanocytes produce the skin pigment known as melanin.
• What sensations do nerve endings in the skin detect?


  Nerve endings in the skin detect pain, touch, pressure, and temperature.
• What is the role of sensory neurons in the skin?

  Sensory neurons transport messages from nerve endings to the central nervous system.
• What is the dermis?


  The dermis is the "living" layer of skin that contains functional components like blood vessels and nerves.
• What does the dermis contain that helps regulate body temperature?


  The dermis contains blood vessels that respond to heat by dilating or constricting.
• What are sweat glands part of?


  Sweat glands are part of the endocrine gland system.
• How do sweat glands help in thermoregulation?


  Sweat glands secrete water that cools the body via evaporation.
• What is the role of ceruminous glands?


  Ceruminous glands produce and secrete wax that protects the ear canal.
• What do sebaceous glands secrete?


  Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin.
• What is the function of hair follicles?


  Hair follicles grow hair and help repair skin after injuries.
• What do melanocytes in the basal layer produce?


  Melanocytes produce melanin, which gives skin its color.
• What is the role of Vitamin D in the body?


  Vitamin D helps absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• How is Vitamin D synthesized in the skin?


  UV rays trigger the synthesis of Vitamin D3 from cholesterol in the skin.
• What happens to cholecalciferol after it is produced in the skin?


  Cholecalciferol is converted to calcidiol in the liver and then to calcitriol in the kidneys.
• What is the relationship between thermoregulation and osmoregulation?


  Thermoregulation is linked to osmoregulation as both processes maintain homeostasis in the body.
• What is the core temperature the body aims to maintain?


  The body aims to maintain a core temperature of 37˚C.
• What role does the hypothalamus play in thermoregulation?


  The hypothalamus processes temperature information and activates effectors to maintain core temperature.
• What is negative feedback in the context of thermoregulation?


  Negative feedback is the action taken by the body to return temperature to an optimum level following a deviation.
• How does the body respond if the temperature is too high?

  A negative feedback loop acts to bring the temperature back down towards the set point.
• What is the role of thermoreceptors in the skin?


  Thermoreceptors in the skin detect temperature changes and send messages to the hypothalamus.
• What happens when the hypothalamus receives temperature information?


  The hypothalamus sends messages to effectors to regulate body temperature.
• What is the purpose of negative feedback in the body?


  To return something to an optimum/normal level following a deviation
• How does a negative feedback loop respond to high body temperature?


  It acts to bring the temperature back down towards the set point
• What triggers a negative feedback loop?


  A stimulus or cue (variable)
• What role does the hypothalamus play in thermoregulation?


  It translates temperature messages and sends signals to effectors
• What is the core body temperature that the hypothalamus aims to maintain?


  37°C
• What are some actions that effectors take to maintain body temperature?

  Shivering, sweating, raising hairs, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction
• What is hypothermia?


  A potentially dangerous drop in body temperature
• What causes hypothermia?


  Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures