Guide

• Skin


  • Thermoregulation
  • Protection against foreign bodies
  • Protection against mechanical damage
  • Protection against solar radiation
  • Energy storage
  • Production of vitamin D
• Thermoregulation


  The regulation of body temperature
• Thermoregulation (low temperature)


  1. Hypothalamus detects decrease in blood temperature

  2. Hypothalamus sends nervous impulses to the skin

  3. Skeletal muscle contraction to produce metabolic heat

  4. Erector muscles contract to raise hair and create insulation layer

  5. Vasoconstriction of arterioles to reduce heat loss by radiation
• Thermoregulation (high temperature)


  1. Hypothalamus detects increase in blood temperature

  2. Hypothalamus sends nervous impulses to the skin

  3. Sweat glands produce sweat to cause evaporative cooling

  4. Erector muscles relax to lower hair and reduce insulation

  5. Vasodilation of arterioles to increase heat loss by radiation