Question

The micrographs show various areas of the skin. What are the characteristics that distinguish “thick skin” from “skin with hair” (or “thin skin”).

Answer 1

1. Resistance to trauma and infection - becasue the epidermal cells are packed with keratin, few things can penetrate skin

2. Other barrier functions - Prevents body from losing or gaining excess water and barrier to UV rays and chemicals

3. Vitamin D synthesis - first step of synthesis

4. Sensation - most extensive sense organ with variety of nerve endings

5. Thermoregulation - richly supplied with nerve endings which monitor the body's surface temp and can release or retain heat by way of vasoconstiction(dilation) and sweating or shivering