9 SKIN

STRUCTURE & FUNCTION OF SKIN (Short Note & Viva)

Functions:
1. Covering & therefore protection for the inner structure.
2. Carrying 3 important skin sensations i.e. pain, temperature & touch
by the different end organs .By this sensation the following functions.
a. Temperature: Main function for regulation of body temperature
with the help of higher brain cells.
b. Pain—important for protection of the body against injury.
c. Touch is important for our daily life.
3. Because of the sweat glands regulation of the body temperature by
sweating.
4. Because of the sebaceous glands which will secrete oily secretion to
keep the skin moist & supple.
5. Because of the erector pilae muscle hairs will be standing erect in
fear.
6. Formation of vitamin D.
7. Absorption: Certain drugs can be absorbed through the skin & have
its action so drugs can be given in ointment form.
8. Excretion of certain waste products like Urea, Uric acid & NaCl.

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 ILLUSTRATED PHYSIOLOGY

Sweat Glands (Short Note)

Every part of the skin of the body contains large number of sweat glands
i.e300/sq.cm.This is because very important function of sweat glands is
temperature regulation of the body.

Sweat glands are divided into 2 types as shown in the figure.

1. Ecrine: These glands are present throughout the body & they open
separately in the skin. These are the main sweat glands for the
function of temperature regulation of the body.
2. Apocrine: These open at the root of the hairs, especially the hairs of
the sex area i.e. axilla & pubic hair.

Nerve supply of sweat glands is by sympathetic only.

The main function is temperature regulation of the body i.e. in hot climate the
sweat glands are stimulated by the brain center producing extreme sweating &
when this sweating evaporates by air current, it takes away the latent heat of
the body therefore cooling of the body. & bringing down the temperature.

Composition of Sweat
500cc of sweating is done per day. In extreme heat & heavy work maximum
sweating will be 10 liters.
99% water
1% is waste products i.e. urea, uric acid, fatty acids, NaCl & NaHCO3.
Temperature regulation by sweating is so important that the person will die of
heat stroke when there is no temperature regulation because temperature
center of the brain (hypothalamus) is damaged.

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