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Module 9 - 1 - The Human Body (Intro-Integumentary System)
Module 9 - 1 - The Human Body (Intro-Integumentary System)
Introduction
• The human body can be divided into the head,
distinct neck and trunk.
• The somewhat round-shaped head, with
prominent facial bones houses the brain, and other
sense organs like the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth.
• The distinct neck that supports the head is
anchored to the trunk.
• The trunk is the biggest segment of the body.
The trunk houses the three body cavities:
• Thoracic cavity: bounded by the ribs and the diaphragm
• Abdominal cavity: bounded by the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles
• Pelvic cavity: surrounded by the pelvic bones
Homeostasis
• Humans need to maintain homeostasis in
order to survive.
• Existence and maintenance of a relatively
constant internal environment.
• Homeostasis is maintained by negative and
positive feedback mechanisms
Negative feedback turns off the original stimulus
Positive feedback enhances and up-regulates the initial stimulus
(is usually harmful to the body)
Several components that allow man to maintain a state of balance:
• Keratinocytes
• Most abundant cell type
• Produce the fibrous protein keratin
• Gives skin its protective properties
• Melanocytes
• Produce the brown pigment melanin
• Found in the deepest layers of the epidermis
• Langerhans’ cells
• Epidermal macrophages
• Help activate the immune system
• Merkel cells
• Touch receptors in association with sensory nerve endings
Layers of the Epidermis
• Stratum Basale (Basal Layer)
• Deepest epidermal layer firmly attached to the dermis
• Structural strength is provided by desmosomes and hemidesmosomes
• Consists of a single row of the youngest keratinocytes
• Cells undergo mitotic divisions ~every 19 days
• 10-25% are melanocytes
• Stratum Spinosum
• Melanin granules and Langerhans’ cells are abundant in this layer
• Melanin is taken up by the keratinocytes and accumulates on the “sunny
side” to protect the nucleus from UV damage
• Stratum Granulosum
• Drastic changes in keratinocyte appearance occurs
• Keratohyaline and lamellated bodies (waterproofing) accumulate in
the cells of this layer
• Above this layer the epithelial cells die because they are too far
from the dermis
Layers of the Epidermis
• Stratum Lucidum
• Thin, transparent band superficial to the Stratum Granulosum
• Consists of a few rows of flat, dead keratinocytes
• Present only in thick skin
• Stratum Corneum
• Outermost layer of keratinized cells
• Accounts for three quarters of the epidermal thickness
• 20-30 cell layers thick, all dead.
• Millions rub off everyday. Totally new every 25-45 days.
• Functions include:
• Waterproofing
• Protection from abrasion and penetration
• Rendering the body relatively insensitive to biological, chemical, and
physical assaults
Dermis
• Glands
• Hair
• Nails
Sebaceous Glands