Answer to Question #167673 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Jasmine Elfaqir

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