Integumentary System Web Quest

Name:______

1. What is the integumentary system? 2. What are the layers of our skin? List these from superficial to deep and insert a picture in the space below. 3. What tissue type is prevalent in the epidermis? Explain how the structure of this tissue is tied to the function of skin. 4. What sensors in our skin are responsible for the sense of touch? 5. What are some ways that the integumentary system helps regulate temperature? 6. The skin is selectively soluble to fat-soluble substances such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as steroid hormones such as estrogen. How might this fact be used in the creation of pharmaceuticals? Give an example. 7. Skin color: a. Both light and dark skinned people have roughly the same number of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin), so what accounts for the difference in skin color? b. What types of pigment are found in human skin and hair? How do these pigments produce the different hair and skin colors? c. Explain the link between ultraviolet light and vitamin D production. Why is vitamin D important? What else occurs to the body as a result of exposure to UV light and how does our body protect itself from UV exposure? 8. Burns a. What part if the skin is affected in a 1st degree burn? b. What part of the skin is affected in a 2nd degree burn? c. What part of the skin does a 3rd degree burn affect? d. Why can an extensive 3rd degree burn be life threatening?

9. What’s the difference between a sebaceous gland and a sweat gland?

10. What is acne? What are some causes of acne?

11. Why does the skin on our fingers and toes become wrinkled after being emerged in water for a prolonged amount of time?

12. If your skin sheds approximately every two weeks, how come tattoos are permanent?

13. What are lines of cleavage and why would they be important to a surgeon?

14. What are the three types of skin cancer? What can you do to avoid skin cancer?

Rare skin diseases and other interesting skin topics (These are not required).

15. What is Toxic epidermal necrolysis? Why would losing your skin be potentially fatal?

16. What is hypertrichosis and what part of the integumentary system does it affect?

17. What is harlequin ichthyosis? What makes the skin of people with this disease different from normal skin? (note: images of this disease are graphic, do not research it if you are squeamish).

18. Who is Lee Redmond? Which part of the integumentary system makes her special? 19. How did tanners used to make leather?