Exploring the Structure and Functions of Human Skin

• Anatomy and physiology
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Exploring the Structure and Functions of Human Skin

Learning Objectives

• Understand the structure of human skin including its layers and appendages
• Identify the functions of each appendage of the skin
• Understand the role of the skin in sensory perception and thermoregulation

What do you already know about the structure and functions of human skin?

Structure of the Human Skin

• Epidermis: the outermost layer of the skin
• Derma: the layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues
• Hypodermis (Subcutaneous layer): the deepest layer of the skin
• Hair: extends from the dermis, helps in temperature regulation

Functions of the Skin Components

• Sweat pore: opening for the sweat gland
• Nerve: responsible for sending sensory and motor impulses
• Sweat gland: produces sweat to regulate body temperature
• Hair bulb: the base of the hair follicle
• Vein: carries deoxygenated blood towards the heart
• Artery: carries oxygenated blood away from the heart
• Adipose tissue: fat tissue found in the hypodermis

Role of Skin in Sensory Perception

• Skin houses various nerves responsible for sensory perception
• Sensory receptors in the skin detect touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold
• Nerves transmit sensory information to the brain for interpretation

Role of Skin in Thermoregulation

• Sweat glands produce sweat to cool the body through evaporation
• Blood vessels in the skin dilate or constrict to regulate heat loss or conservation
• Hair helps in insulation and temperature regulation

Human Skin

• Epidermis: the outermost layer of the skin
• Derma: the layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues
• Hypodermis: the deepest layer of the skin
• Subcutaneous layer: another term for the hypodermis, filled with fat and connective tissue
• Hair: extends from the dermis, helps in temperature regulation
• Sweat pore: opening for the sweat gland
• Nerve: responsible for sending sensory and motor impulses
• Sweat gland: produces sweat to regulate body temperature
• Hair bulb: the base of the hair follicle
• Vein: a blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood towards the heart
• Artery: a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart
• Adipose tissue: fat tissue found in the hypodermis, helps in insulation and energy storage

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.