Health and Society

Name:__rodrigo cantu valdez____a01724279__________________________

Group:_______________ Date:_____________

Activity
The Integumentary System: SKIN

One may not typically think of the skin as an organ, but it is the largest organ in the human
body. Our skin, together with accessory structures make up the integumentary system, which
provides protection to the body. The skin is made up of multiple layers of cells and tissues,
which are held to underlying structures by connective tissue.

It is very important that we understand the skin’s vital importance for the body’s overall health.
Exposure to Ultravioleta A (UVA) rays in your preteen and teen years can cause wrinkles and
play a role in the development of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a healthy tan—in fact, a
tan means that your skin is damaged and may forever contain cells whose genetic structure has
been permanently damaged by the sun.
The sun gives off invisible rays of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are short, high-
energy wavelengths that are absorbed by the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. UVB
rays affect the genetic material of the epidermis, which causes damage that may lead to skin
cancer, including melanoma. UVB rays can also affect the body’s immune system and interfere
with the skin’s ability to repair itself.
UVA rays can also harm the skin by penetrating the skin more deeply than UVB rays, and
damage the DNA of cells in the dermis, the second layer of skin.

In this activity you will understand the structure and function of the skin, as well as the
importance of keeping it healthy.

Objectives

● Understand the function and composition of the skin

● Acknowledge the skin’s vital importance in your body’s overall health.

PART 1 (DAY 1):

Individual

Instructions: Answer the following questions.

Integumentary System Questions

1. How many skin layers does the body have, name and describe each one.
The body has three different layers of skin: the epidermis, the dermis, and the
subcutaneous layer. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and is composed of
stratified squamous epithelium. This layer protects the body from infection and
environmental damage, as well as producing new skin cells to replace those that are
shed. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and is composed of connective tissue.
This layer contains a variety of structures, including blood vessels, sweat glands, hair
follicles, and nerve endings. It also provides strength and elasticity to the skin, allowing it

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 to stretch and move. The subcutaneous layer, or hypodermis, is the innermost layer of
skin and is composed of adipose (fat) and connective tissue. This layer helps to insulate
and protect the body, as well as providing cushioning and support. It is also important for
the absorption of nutrients and the regulation of body temperature.
2. Provide a short description of each component of the human skin:
Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin that forms a protective barrier against
physical, chemical, and microbial threats.
Dermis: The middle layer of the skin that contains strong connective tissue, nerve
endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
Subcutaneous Layer: The deepest layer of the skin that contains fat and connective
tissue to help maintain body temperature and protect internal organs.
Sebaceous Glands: Small glands located in the dermis that produce oils to help keep
the skin moisturized.
Sweat Glands: Tubular glands located throughout the body that secrete sweat to help
regulate body temperature.
Hair Follicles: Tiny openings in the skin from which hairs grow.

Epidermis Dermis Subcutaneous layer Sudor parous (sweat)

(connective tissue) gland

Nerve Hair Follicle Sebaceous (oil) gland

Where are new skin cells produced?

New skin cells are produced in the lower layer of the epidermis, known as the basal layer.

3. Describe the following major functions of the skin. Relate the skin structure (anatomy) to
the functions (physiology) below.
a. Protection against infection
Skin protection against infection refers to the various strategies used to keep the
skin healthy and free from infection, including the use of good hygiene practices,
proper wound care, protective clothing and the use of topical or systemic
antibiotics. Good hygiene practices include regular hand washing, showering and
bathing, and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces. Proper wound care
involves cleaning the wound thoroughly to remove dirt and germs, covering the
wound with a bandage or dressing, and using topical or systemic antibiotics
when necessary. Protective clothing such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and
long pants can provide a physical barrier between the skin and infectious agents.
Topical or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection
and help speed healing.
b. Protection against dehydration (drying)
Skin is the body's largest organ and acts as a barrier to protect the body from
dehydration. It works by locking in moisture and preventing it from evaporating.
Skin also helps to regulate body temperature and protect the body from external

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 irritants and pollutants. To protect itself from dehydration, skin produces oil to
form a protective barrier and it has proteins to help retain moisture. The skin also
has a natural acid mantle which helps to keep it from drying out. Additionally, it is
important to use a moisturizer to help maintain the skin's hydration levels.
c. Regulation of body temperature
Skin regulation of body temperature is the process by which the body can
maintain a constant internal temperature regardless of external conditions. The
body can regulate temperature by controlling the amount of heat it loses and
gains through the skin. This is achieved by the process of vasodilation and
vasoconstriction. Vasodilation is when blood vessels in the skin open, allowing
heat to escape and cooling the body. Vasoconstriction is when blood vessels in
the skin constrict, trapping heat and keeping the body warm. The body also
regulates temperature by controlling sweat production. When the body is too hot,
sweat is released to cool the body down. Conversely, when the body is too cold,
sweat production is suppressed and the body can stay warm.
d. Collection of sensory information
Skin collection of sensory information is the process by which the skin, the body’s
largest organ, collects sensory information from its environment. This sensory
information can include pressure, temperature, vibration, moisture, and pain
stimuli. The skin is also capable of sensing air movement and fine touch, as well
as responding to changes in the environment around it. Through this collection of
sensory information, the skin can react to its environment and provide feedback
to the body.
e. Synthesis (production) of Vitamin D
Skin collection of sensory information is the process by which the skin, the body’s
largest organ, collects sensory information from its environment. This sensory
information can include pressure, temperature, vibration, moisture, and pain
stimuli. The skin is also capable of sensing air movement and fine touch, as well
as responding to changes in the environment around it. Through this collection of
sensory information, the skin can react to its environment and provide feedback
to the body.

4. Describe the function of two important skin components.

What is it? Where is it
produced?
Melanin Melanin is a natural
pigment that is produced
by special cells called
melanocytes. It gives color
to the skin, hair, and eyes
and helps protect the skin
from the sun's ultraviolet
rays. Melanin
Function
Melanin is a pigment found
in the skin, eyes, and hair
of humans and other
animals. It is responsible
for giving skin and hair its
color, and it plays a role in
protecting the skin from UV
radiation.

Keratin Keratin is a protein that is Keratin is a tough, fibrous

found in the outer layer of protein that is the key

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 skin, hair, and nails. It is
produced by the epidermal
cells in the skin, hair
follicles, and nails. Keratin
helps to protect the skin,
hair, and nails from
damage and makes them
stronger.
structural component of
hair, nails, and skin. It is
responsible for providing
strength, protection, and
flexibility to these tissues.
Keratin also helps to keep
the skin hydrated and aids
in wound healing.

5. a) Visit the following site: https://online.seterra.com/en-an/vgp/3804

b) Answer the quiz, THE SKIN – Science Quiz
c) When you finish take a screenshot and paste the evidence in this document.

PART 2 (DAY 2):

In teams

Instructions

1. Get together with your collaborative team and design an infographic about the
importance sunscreen use. To create your infographic, you can use the program of your
choice.
2. Your infographic should include:
• What is skin cancer? What type is the most common? How frequent is it in
México? How many people die from it each year?
• What is Melanoma?
• What is the ABCDE of skin cancer checklist?
• Ways that you protect yourself from the sun

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 • How do UV rays affect the skin? When are the sun’s rays most damaging?
• How often should you apply sunscreen?
• What does UPF and SPF mean? What is the best SPF recommendation?
• References
3. The infographic along with the PART 1 questions answers should be turned in
individually via Canvas.

*Each team member will upload the assignment (your individual questions + team’s
infographic).