5. Integumentary System

Which part of the integument is responsible for providing strength and flexibility?

Which of the following correctly describes the structure of the skin?

a. It consists of the superficial epidermis, middle dermis, and deep hypodermis.

b. It consists of the superficial epidermis and deep dermis.

c. It consists of the superficial dermis and deep epidermis.

d. It consists of the superficial dermis and deep hypodermis.

What are the functions of the dermal papillae?

Nguyen comes to your clinic with a mole that has recently changed in appearance. You examine the mole and note that its borders are irregular, it has a deep blue-black color, and the color is unevenly distributed throughout the mole.

Nguyen tells you that she has used a tanning booth once per week for the past several years and that the tanning salon advertises it as safe. What do you tell her about the tanning salon's claim? How does any UV exposure affect keratinocytes and melanocytes? Explain.

Many antiaging skin creams contain collagen and hyaluronic acid. Manufacturers claim that the collagen and hyaluronic acid applied to the surface of the skin will be absorbed into the dermis, where they will be incorporated into dermal tissue.

What are collagen and hyaluronic acid, and what are their functions?

Would a mild second-degree burn be likely to heal by regeneration or fibrosis? Would the same type of healing take place in a third-degree burn that involved muscle tissue? Why or why not?

A burn victim exhibits a red and swollen arm with blistering; a hand that has been charred black, exposing bone; and a cheek that appears blanched. How serious is each burn, and is this patient critical? Explain.

Nguyen comes to your clinic with a mole that has recently changed in appearance. You examine the mole and note that its borders are irregular, it has a deep blue-black color, and the color is unevenly distributed throughout the mole.

What is your immediate concern? Why?

Roger, a 40-year-old man who loves spending time on the beach, is complaining to you that his suntan made him popular when he was young—but now his face is all wrinkled, and he has several darkly pigmented moles that are growing rapidly and are as big as large coins. He shows you the moles, and immediately you think “ABCDE.” What does that mean, and why should he be concerned?

Rebecca, the mother of a 13-month-old infant, brings her child to the clinic because his skin has turned orange. Why does the pediatrician inquire about the child’s diet?