Biology 2121 – Chapter Objectives
Chapter 5 – The Integumentary System
1. Be able to identify any parts of the diagram on page 153 (figure 5.1-Skin Structure0
2. State general characteristics of the epidermis, dermis and the hypodermis.
3. Know the main characteristics of the following cell types. Know where they are
located, function and any special characteristics they may possess.
 Keratinocytes
 Melanocytes
 Langerhan’s Cells
 Merkel cells
4. For each of the following layers of the epidermis know their location, cell types and
any special characteristics they may possess
 Stratum Basale
 Stratum Spinosum
 Stratum Granulosum
 Stratum Lucidum
 Stratum Corneum
5. Note that stratum lucidium is only found in thick skin.
6. Know the following concerning the dermal layer of the skin
 Cell types associated with the dermis
 Function
 Other general characteristics
 Distinguish between the two parts of the papillary layer: papillary layer and
dermal papillae
 How does the reticular layer differ from the papillary layer?
7. What are cleavage lines?
8. How does ‘Botox’ work?
9. Name the (3) different substances that cause skin color to occur.
10. How does melanin protect the skin? Explain how UV radiation may damage skin
cells.
11. List and explain the major characteristics of eccrine and aprocrine sweat glands
(location, what they are made of, secretions, pH, etc.)
12. List and explain the major characteristics and functions of sebaceous glands.
13. What are the two types of keratin found in skin? Explain.
14. Identify and describe the main regions of the hair.
15. Distinguish between the medulla, cortex and cuticle of hair.
16. Where does the color of the hair come from?
17. What is the difference between a hair follicle and the actual hair itself?
18. What is a root hair plexus?
19. What is the function of the arrector pilli muscle?
20. Distinguish between the connective tissue root sheath and the epithelial root sheath.
21. Distinguish between terminal and vellus hair.
22. What is hirsutism?
23. List several factors that may cause hair thinning.
24. What is alopecia areata? What causes this condition?
25. Distinguish between chemical, physical and biological barriers of protection.
26. How does body temperature affect sweat glands?
27. What role does the skin play in producing vitamin D? Explain.
28. List other metabolic functions of the skin other than the production of vitamin D.
29. Why is the dermis called a blood reservoir?
30. What role does the skin have in getting rid of nitrogenous wastes from the body?
31. Distinguish between the three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous
cell carcinoma; melanoma.
32. Which of the three types of skin cancer is most dangerous? Why?
33. What are the ABCDE signs of skin cancer?
34. What is the rule of nines?