Specify the Functions of the Skin & Skin Accessory Structures

What is the location and function of Hair & what is it made up of?

Hair

• Found on most skin surfaces except for soles of feet & palms of hands

• Aids in sensation, protection against dust and insects, and temperature regulation

• Made up of dead, keratinized cells produced in a hair follicle located in the dermis of the skin

What are the functions of Glands?

There are two types of sudoriferous (sweat) glands:

• Apocrine glands: Associated with the hair follicle, produces sweat, and found in the armpits & groin

• Eccrine: Produces sweat and are distributed throughout the skin

What are the functions of Glands? pt. 2

Sebaceous (oil) glands:

• Secretes oily substance (sebum) which coats surface of hairs, preventing it from drying out and becoming brittle

• Sebaceous glands contain anti-microbial substances

Ceruminous (wax) glands:

• Secretes wax (cerumen) in the ear canal

• Wax protects against dust & insects as well as containing anti-microbial properties

What are the functions of Nails?

Nails

• Made up of compacted, keratin filled, dead epithelial cells

• Protects the tips of fingers & toes and aids in the ability of scratching, digging, and defense

What are the General Functions of the Skin?

Skin Functions

1. Mechanical protection in the form of keratin in the epidermis

2. Prevention of dehydration from cells and glands secreting lipids

3. UV radiation protection due to the melanin in melanocytes and keratinocytes  which absorb UV radiation

4. Antimicrobial effect from Langerhans cells and macrophages activating the immune response when encountering a pathogen

What are the General Functions of the Skin? pt. 2

Skin Functions

5. Body temperature regulation from sudoriforous (sweat) gland producing sweat to cool body down

6. Sensation due to various receptors that detect stimuli (Mechanoreptors, Nociceptors, Thermoreceptors)

What are the General Functions of the Skin? pt. 3

Skin Functions

7. Excretion by removing small amounts of chemical waste from sweating

8. Synthesis of Vitamin D due to UV radiation from the sun