Biology: Skin and the Integumentary System
Exploring skin structure, function, and protection
Biology: Skin and the Integumentary System
Exploring skin structure, function, and protection
Biology - Grade 6-8
- 1
The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and oil glands. Name two major functions of this body system.
Think about what skin does for your body every day.
Two major functions of the integumentary system are protecting the body from injury and germs, and helping control body temperature. It also helps prevent water loss and allows the body to sense touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. - 2
Label the three main layers of the skin from outside to inside.
The three main layers of the skin from outside to inside are the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The hypodermis is also called the subcutaneous layer. - 3
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. Explain why the epidermis is important even though it is thin.
A thin layer can still act like a shield.
The epidermis is important because it forms a protective barrier between the body and the outside environment. It helps keep germs out, reduces water loss, and contains cells that produce melanin. - 4
Melanin is a pigment made by cells in the skin. Describe one way melanin helps protect the body.
Melanin helps protect the body by absorbing some ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. This can reduce damage to skin cells. - 5
A student touches a hot pan and quickly pulls their hand away. Which part of the integumentary system helped detect the heat, and what information did it send to the nervous system?
Skin contains nerve endings that respond to the environment.
Sensory receptors in the skin helped detect the heat. They sent information to the nervous system that the pan was dangerously hot, which helped the student pull away quickly. - 6
Look at a diagram of skin that shows a hair follicle, sweat gland, oil gland, blood vessels, and nerves. Choose two structures and explain what each one does.
A sweat gland produces sweat, which helps cool the body as it evaporates from the skin. Blood vessels help regulate body temperature by moving more or less blood near the surface of the skin. - 7
When you exercise on a warm day, your skin may become red and sweaty. Explain how these changes help maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis means keeping internal conditions stable.
Sweating helps cool the body when sweat evaporates from the skin. The skin may become red because blood vessels near the surface widen, bringing more warm blood to the surface so heat can leave the body. - 8
Compare a first-degree burn and a second-degree burn. Include the skin layers affected and one possible symptom of each.
A first-degree burn affects mainly the epidermis and may cause redness and pain. A second-degree burn affects the epidermis and part of the dermis, and it may cause blisters, swelling, and more severe pain. - 9
The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Why would damage to the dermis be more serious than a shallow scratch on the epidermis?
Think about what is located in the dermis but not in the top layer.
Damage to the dermis can be more serious because the dermis contains important structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and glands. Injury to this layer may cause bleeding, pain, swelling, or problems with temperature control. - 10
Explain how oil glands help the skin and hair.
Oil glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin and hair from drying out. Sebum also adds a protective coating to the skin. - 11
A person spends several hours in strong sunlight without sunscreen and gets a sunburn. Explain what caused the sunburn and name one way to help prevent it in the future.
Ultraviolet radiation is a type of energy from the Sun.
The sunburn was caused by ultraviolet radiation damaging skin cells. One way to help prevent sunburn is to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, seek shade, or limit time in strong sunlight. - 12
The hypodermis contains fat tissue under the dermis. Describe two ways this layer helps the body.
The hypodermis helps cushion the body and protect internal tissues from impact. It also stores energy and provides insulation that helps keep the body warm.