Skin is very tough but extremely sensitive.  Explain how some  structures in the skin allow it to withstand a vigorous pinch and tug, while other structures allow it to detect the presence of a mosquito on your arm.

What will be an ideal response?


Skin's toughness comes from the durability of the epidermis and the reticular layer of the dermis.  The many dead keratinocytes superficially and the desmosomes that link keratinocytes help withstand trauma.  Tougher still is the collagenous dense irregular tissue of the dermis.  Sensitivity comes from the many light touch cutaneous receptors.  The hair follicle receptors can detect when a hair has been bent by the landing of an insect on the arm.

Anatomy & Physiology

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The acromion is an anatomical feature of the ________.

A. ulna B. scaphoid C. pollex D. clavicle E. scapula

Anatomy & Physiology

Reflexes important in regulating the forced ventilations that accompany strenuous exercise are known as the:

protective reflexes chemoreceptor reflexes Hering-Breuer reflexes pulmonary reflexes all of the choices are correct

Anatomy & Physiology

The muscles that laterally rotate and depress the scapula, as in shrugging and lowering the shoulders, are the ________

A) trapezius and serratus anterior B) trapezius and rhomboideus C) trapezius and latissimus dorsi D) pectoralis minor and serratus anterior E) levator scapulae and rhomboideus

Anatomy & Physiology

Which of the following would be an effect of cutting the vagus nerve?

A. reduced heart rate B. increased heart rate C. reduced strength of contraction D. increased secretion of acetylcholine

Anatomy & Physiology