Human Anatomy & Physiology (2nd Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (2nd Edition)
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780134553511
Author: Erin C. Amerman
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 5, Problem 1CYR

Explain why the skin is an organ.

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Summary Introduction

To review:

The rationale behind skin being an organ.

Introduction:

Skin or the integument system provides the coveringover the body. The skin performs various functions other than the protection of the body. However, the skin does not get recognition as an organ from most of the people.

Explanation of Solution

The organ can be defined as a group of different types of tissues that perform together to accomplish various functions. Integument system is made up of different tissues. Skin is a cutaneous membrane. It is made up of two different layers, namely, epidermis and dermis.

The epidermis is made up of keratinized squamous epithelial cells. The dermis is made up of loose connective tissues and dense irregular connective tissues. The hypodermis is the layer beneath the skin made up of loose connective tissues. Blood is supplied to the dermis via the capillary network.

The skin consists of various structures like sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair, and nails. Muscle tissues are also present in the skin attached to the base of hair. All these different types of tissues and structures help in performing different kinds of functions like protection, thermoregulation, excretion, homeostasis maintenance, water-electrolyte balance, andvitamin D synthesis. Thus, the skin fulfills the criteria necessary for an organ.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the skin is made up of different tissues that help to perform different functions. Thus, the skin is an organ that is supplied with blood, has connective tissues, and provides protection to the body.

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Chapter 5 Solutions

Human Anatomy & Physiology (2nd Edition)

Ch. 5.3 - 3. Which type of tissue makes up the reticular...Ch. 5.3 - 4. What other structures are located in the...Ch. 5.3 - 5. How does the papillary layer of the dermis...Ch. 5.3 - What causes tension lines and flexure lines? How...Ch. 5.4 - How is melanin produced, and how does it interact...Ch. 5.4 - What are the functions of melanin?Ch. 5.4 - 3. What is carotene, and what color does it give...Ch. 5.4 - Prob. 4QCCh. 5.4 - 5. How can the oxygen content of the blood affect...Ch. 5.4 - 6. What is cyanosis, and what can it tell us...Ch. 5.5 - How do the hair shaft and hair root differ?Ch. 5.5 - How does a hair grow in length?Ch. 5.5 - Prob. 3QCCh. 5.5 - Define the following terms: nail bed, nail plate,...Ch. 5.5 - How does nail growth occur?Ch. 5.5 - Prob. 6QCCh. 5.5 - What are the other three types of sweat glands,...Ch. 5.5 - 8. How do sebaceous glands and sebum differ from...Ch. 5.6 - Prob. 1QCCh. 5.6 - Prob. 2QCCh. 5.6 - What is cancer?Ch. 5.6 - 4. How do the three types of skin cancer differ? Ch. 5 - Explain why the skin is an organ.Ch. 5 - Which of the following correctly describes the...Ch. 5 - Which of the following is not a function of the...Ch. 5 - 4. Explain what happens to dermal blood vessels...Ch. 5 - Number the strata of thick skin epidermis from...Ch. 5 - Keratinocytes in the superficial strata of the...Ch. 5 - Mark the following statements as true or false. If...Ch. 5 - Which of the following statements is false? a....Ch. 5 - What are the functions of the dermal papillae?Ch. 5 - Epidermal ridges are created by: a. the epidermal...Ch. 5 - 11. Mark the following statements as true or...Ch. 5 - 12. Which of the following is not a function of...Ch. 5 - 13. Fill in the blanks: The portion of the hair...Ch. 5 - Nail growth occurs when: a. cells in the nail...Ch. 5 - Prob. 15CYRCh. 5 - Match each type of gland with its correct...Ch. 5 - How do sweat and sebum differ?Ch. 5 - 18. Which type of burn involves the epidermis and...Ch. 5 - 19. The type of skin tumor that involves the...Ch. 5 - Prob. 1CYUCh. 5 - Prob. 2CYUCh. 5 - The hair and nails are sometimes called accessory...Ch. 5 - 1. You are working in the emergency department...Ch. 5 - 2. After Ramon’s skin came into contact with a...Ch. 5 - 3. Which of the following is not a function of...Ch. 5 - 4. What would happen to the skin if the oil...Ch. 5 - Many antiaging skin creams contain collagen and...Ch. 5 - 6. Would a mild second-degree burn be likely to...
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