That Amazing Organ: The Skin!

Functions of Skin: oCovers the body and prevents water loss oProtects body against injury or infection oHelps regulate body temps. oEliminates wastes oGather info about the surrounding environ. oProduces vitamin D oCovers the body and prevents water loss oProtects body against injury or infection oHelps regulate body temps. oEliminates wastes oGather info about the surrounding environ. oProduces vitamin D

Structure of Skin:  The following are the two main layers of skin: ( on the next slide!)

The Epidermis: skin’s upper layer oHas no blood vessels or nerves oIs made up of flattened, dead cells which protect you from the environ. It protects you two ways: 1.) the layer of dead cells forms a shield-like barrier against germs. 1.) the layer of dead cells forms a shield-like barrier against germs. 2.) as these dead cells flake off they carry germs stuck to them with them. 2.) as these dead cells flake off they carry germs stuck to them with them.

The Epidermis (cont.) Cells deep in the epidermis produce melanin, a brown pigment that gives skin its color and protects against the sun’s UV rays. The more melanin produced here, the darker your tan (or skin color).Cells deep in the epidermis produce melanin, a brown pigment that gives skin its color and protects against the sun’s UV rays. The more melanin produced here, the darker your tan (or skin color).

The Dermis: skins lowest layer  Contains nerves and blood vessels  Also contains these structures: *sweat glands produce sweat which is secreted by pores, cooling the body * Grows hair within structures called follicles (hair is made of dead skin cells). * Grows hair within structures called follicles (hair is made of dead skin cells). * Oil glands which keeps skin moist. * Oil glands which keeps skin moist.  Contains nerves and blood vessels  Also contains these structures: *sweat glands produce sweat which is secreted by pores, cooling the body * Grows hair within structures called follicles (hair is made of dead skin cells). * Grows hair within structures called follicles (hair is made of dead skin cells). * Oil glands which keeps skin moist. * Oil glands which keeps skin moist.

Care for Skin Eat properly Eat properly Drink plenty of water Drink plenty of water Limit sun exposure-too much causes skin cancer Limit sun exposure-too much causes skin cancer Keep skin clean and dry Keep skin clean and dry *clogged pores cause acne *fungi like athlete’s foot grow in warm,moist environ. Keeping skin clean and dry prevents its growth. *fungi like athlete’s foot grow in warm,moist environ. Keeping skin clean and dry prevents its growth.