Chapter 6 Integumentary system

What is one of the functions of the integumentary system?

• Digestion of food

• Physical protection from environmental hazards

• Circulation of blood

• Production of hormones

Answer explanation

One of the primary functions of the integumentary system is to provide physical protection from environmental hazards, such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical injuries, making this the correct choice.

What is the role of the papillary layer in the dermis?

• Protects the skull

• Nourishes and supports the epidermis

• Assists in temperature regulation

• Protects tips of fingers and toes

Answer explanation

The papillary layer of the dermis nourishes and supports the epidermis by providing essential nutrients and oxygen through its capillaries, ensuring the health and function of the skin's outer layer.

What do hair follicles provide?

• Support for nails

• Delicate touch sensations on the general body surface

• Synthesis of vitamin D₃

• Storage of lipids

Answer explanation

Hair follicles are associated with nerve endings that provide delicate touch sensations on the skin's surface, making this the correct choice. They do not support nails, synthesize vitamin D₃, or store lipids.

Which layer of the skin prevents the entry of pathogens?

• Papillary Layer

• Reticular Layer

• Epidermis

• Hair Follicles

Answer explanation

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a barrier that prevents the entry of pathogens. Its structure includes tightly packed cells that help protect against infections.

Which structure is responsible for protecting and supporting the tips of fingers and toes?

• Hair Follicles

• Exocrine Glands

• Nails

• Epidermis

Answer explanation

Nails are the structures that protect and support the tips of fingers and toes. They provide a hard surface that helps prevent injury and enhance grip, making them essential for fine motor skills.

What is the function of sensory nerve fibers in the skin?

• Detect touch

• Produce oil

• Cause hair to stand

• Produce sweat

Answer explanation

Sensory nerve fibers in the skin are responsible for detecting touch. They transmit signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive various sensations, making 'detect touch' the correct answer.

Which sensory receptor is responsible for sensing touch?

• Thermoreceptor

• Meissner's corpuscle

• Nociceptor

• Pacinian corpuscle

Answer explanation

Meissner's corpuscles are specialized sensory receptors located in the skin that detect light touch. They are particularly sensitive to changes in texture and are crucial for our sense of touch.

Which receptor is found in the hypodermis?

• Meissner's corpuscle

• Pacinian corpuscle

• Thermoreceptor

• Nociceptor

Answer explanation

The Pacinian corpuscle is a mechanoreceptor located in the hypodermis, responsible for detecting deep pressure and vibration. In contrast, Meissner's corpuscles are found in the dermis, while thermoreceptors and nociceptors are more widely distributed.

What is the primary function of thermoreceptors?

• Senses touch

• Senses pain

• Senses pressure

• Senses temperature

Answer explanation

Thermoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that detect changes in temperature. Therefore, their primary function is to sense temperature, making 'senses temperature' the correct answer.

Which function of the skin involves the removal of salts, water, and organic wastes?

• Excretion

• Digestion

• Circulation

• Absorption

Answer explanation

The function of excretion in the skin involves the removal of salts, water, and organic wastes, making it the correct choice. Digestion, circulation, and absorption do not pertain to waste removal.