zCentral Launch Code: AP26

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Investigating the Nervous System and Skin

Complete this worksheet as you view the Skin Tile in the Nervous System Views in Human Anatomy Atlas.

1. Before you learn more about the skin and the nervous system, predict how these 2 systems interact.

2. Based on what you have learned about the body systems in previous zSpace activities, define the following:
a. Nervous system

3. Select the Skin Tile. What is the purpose of the skin?

4. Investigate the role of the epidermis layer of skin. Locate this layer, describe the functions of each of the four
cells found in this layer, and explain the role this skin layer plays in the human body.

Epidermis
a. Location

b. Four cells
i. Keratinocytes

ii. Melanocytes

iii. Langerhans cells

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 iv. Merkel cells

c. Role

5. Investigate the role of the dermis layer of skin. Locate this layer, describe the composition of the dermis, and
explain the role it plays in the human body.

Dermis
a. Location

b. Composition

c. Role

6. Investigate the role of the adipose tissue in the hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer of skin. Locate the
hypodermis.
a. Where is the hypodermis layer located?

i. Explain the role it plays in the human body.

b. What is adipose tissue?

i. Explain the role it plays in the human body.

System Interactions
7. Locate the sensory nerves and identify the 2 layers where they are located.

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 8. Investigate the different structures of the skin. For each of the following, identify the skin layer, location in the
human body, and type of sensory signal.

Structure Skin Layer Location in Body Sensory Signal

Meissner’s corpuscles

Merkel cells

Pacinian corpuscles

Free nerve endings

9. Describe how the skin and nervous system interact and affect one another to contribute to the overall
functioning of the human body.

10. Challenge: Quiz yourself! Use the quiz to test your understanding of these nervous system structures and their
roles.
a. Overview, Nervous

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Making Connections

Conduct outside research and investigate 3 health issues that can affect the daily lives of humans by impacting the skin
and the nervous system. Possible extension: Research one of these health issues further and prepare a presentation
about it.

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