Revise Your Knowledge of The Skin

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is difficult to think of it as an organ but it has many functions such as synthesising vitamin D from the sun. Our anatomy and physiology is simply amazing isn't it! We take our precious bodies for granted, treat them badly through lack of exercise and poor diet and are then surprised when things go wrong! Our bodies are designed to be in a state of ease, known as homoeostasis. When things go wrong we come out of that ease state and become dis-eased or diseased. Take care of your health! 

1.  Fill in the missing gaps selecting your answers from the following:

Melanin,   Adipose,  Epidermis,   Dermis,   Subcutaneous,   Adipose, Epithelial,   Corneum,   Germinatum,  Lucidum,   Basal,      White Blood,     Red Blood,     Sebum,    Sweat                                               

a) Barrier to micro-organisms.

The dead cells of the stratum __________________ of the epidermis act as a barrier to micro organisms, whilst _____________________ secreted onto the surface of the skin kill many bacteria and fungi.  If the barrier is penetrated ___________________ cells in the dermis act as a defence by engulfing and ingesting the viruses or bacteria.

b) Protection from UV light

In the sun, melanocytes in the ____________________ layer of the epidermis are stimulated to produce a pigment called _____________, causing darkening of the skin. Harmful radiation is absorbed and underlying structures are protected

c) Protection from knocks

As well as helping insulate against heat loss, _____________________ tissue in the  ___________________ layer protects against knocks.

2 a)    Which vitamin is produced in the skin? ………………………..

   b)   What is this vitamin used for?.............................................................           

3.  In which layer of the skin is Melanin produced?

   Choose from:    Epidermis, Dermis or Subcutaneous Layer

Answer……………………………………….

4.  The tiny muscles attached to hair follicles that pull the hair upright during fright or cold are called ……………

Answer……………………………………….

5.  Put the names of the layers of the Epidermis in order (working from the base layer first which has been given below)

1. Stratum Germinatum

2. …………………………………

3…………………………………..

4. …………………………………

5. ………………………………….

6.  Name the 2 type of sweat glands

1.………………………………

2…..……………………………

7. The skin has a small excretory effect.  Underline the correct statement from the following 4 options:       

a) Sebaceous glands excrete waste, such as sebum, urea, and amino acids

b) Sweat glands excrete waste such as salt, urea, and amino acids

c) Sebaceous glands excrete waste such as sweat, urea and lactic acid

d) Sweat glands excrete waste such as salt, urea and lactic acid

From the list below choose the skin condition being described and state if it is a contagious condition.                            

Description

Condition

Contagious

Yes or No

A loss of colour in well-defined areas of the face and limbs, most obvious in darker skins

Fungal infection commonly known as ringworm. Ring-shaped oval patches with red scaly edges, can be found anywhere on the body. 

Normally caused by hormonal imbalances which increase sebum production leading to blocked glands and infection.  The skin has a shiny, sallow appearance with papules, pustules and comedones.

9.  State if the following conditions are Bacterial, Viral or Fungal

Herpes Zoster ………………………………………..

Impetigo ………………………………………………

Folliculitis ……………………………………………..

Tinea Pedis ……………………………………………

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