Human Integumentary System

What is the largest organ of the human body?

• Liver

• Brain

• Skin

• Heart

Answer explanation

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, covering the entire surface and serving as a protective barrier. It plays crucial roles in sensation, temperature regulation, and immune defense, unlike the liver, brain, or heart.

Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerves?

• Epidermis

• Dermis

• Hypodermis

• Stratum corneum

Answer explanation

The dermis is the layer of skin that contains blood vessels and nerves, providing support and nourishment to the epidermis above it. The epidermis does not have blood vessels, and the hypodermis is deeper than the dermis.

What protein in the skin provides waterproofing and protection?

• Collagen

• Keratin

• Melanin

• Elastin

Answer explanation

Keratin is the protein in the skin that provides waterproofing and protection. It forms a barrier that helps prevent water loss and protects against environmental damage, making it essential for skin health.

Which pigment determines the color of the skin?

• Hemoglobin

• Carotene

• Melanin

• Chlorophyll

Answer explanation

Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for skin color, produced by melanocytes. It absorbs UV radiation and provides protection, while hemoglobin affects skin tone and carotene contributes to yellow-orange hues.

What is the main function of sweat glands?

• Produce oil to lubricate the skin

• Regulate body temperature

• Protect against UV radiation

• Produce melanin

Answer explanation

The main function of sweat glands is to regulate body temperature. When the body heats up, sweat is produced and evaporates, cooling the skin and helping maintain a stable internal temperature.

Which layer of the skin acts as a barrier against pathogens and dehydration?

• Epidermis

• Dermis

• Hypodermis

• Subcutaneous tissue

Answer explanation

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a crucial barrier against pathogens and preventing dehydration. It protects underlying layers and helps maintain skin integrity.

What type of gland produces sebum to keep skin soft and flexible?

• Sweat glands

• Sebaceous glands

• Endocrine glands

• Apocrine glands

Answer explanation

Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin soft and flexible. This distinguishes them from sweat glands, endocrine glands, and apocrine glands, which have different functions.

Which skin layer contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and sensory receptors?

• Epidermis

• Dermis

• Subcutaneous layer

Answer explanation

The dermis is the skin layer that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and sensory receptors, making it essential for skin structure and function. The epidermis is primarily protective, while the subcutaneous layer is mainly fat.

What role do melanocytes play in protecting the skin?

• Producing keratin to form a waterproof barrier

• Producing melanin to protect against UV radiation

• Lubricating the skin with sebum

• Cooling the body through sweat production

Answer explanation

Melanocytes produce melanin, which absorbs UV radiation and protects the skin from damage. This is crucial for preventing skin cancer and other harmful effects of sun exposure.

How does the integumentary system interact with the nervous system?

• The skin provides nutrients for nerve function.

• Sensory receptors in the skin detect stimuli like touch, temperature, and pain.

• Sweat glands release hormones for nerve regulation.

• The skin controls nerve impulses.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that sensory receptors in the skin are crucial for detecting stimuli such as touch, temperature, and pain, which directly interact with the nervous system to process sensory information.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8