Chapter 13

Skin - "The Jack of All Trades"

Class 9 - Concise Biology Selina
Very Short Answer type
Question 1
Name:
(a) Two principal components of mammalian skin.
(b) Two main layers of skin proper.
(c) Three regions/sublayers of epidermis.
(d) Five derivatives of skin.
(e) Two abnormal conditions of skin pigmentation.
Answer
(a) Skin proper and derivatives of skin.
(b) Epidermis and dermis.
(c) Three regions/sublayers of epidermis are :

1. Stratum corneum (Cornified outermost layer)

2. Granular layer (middle layer)
3. Malpighian stratum (Malpighian layer or Germinative layer)
(d) Five derivatives of skin are :

1. Hair
2. Nail
3. Mammary gland
4. Sweat gland
5. Sebaceous gland.
(e) Albinism, Leukoderma

Question 2
Complete the following sentences:
(a) The contraction of ............... muscle pulls the hair to a somewhat vertical position.
(b) The oily secretion ............... makes the skin waterproof.
(c) ............... of the skin is composed of flattened dead cells.
(d) The hard outer part of the nail is termed as ...............
(e) ............... glands open on the margins of the eyelids.
Answer
(a) The contraction of erector muscle pulls the hair to a somewhat vertical position.
(b) The oily secretion sebum makes the skin waterproof.
(c) Cornified layer of the skin is composed of flattened dead cells.
(d) The hard outer part of the nail is termed as plate.
(e) Meibomian glands open on the margins of the eyelids.

Question 3
Correct the following statements by changing only the first or the last word.
(a) Keratin protects us from ultraviolet rays.
(b) Vitamin E can be synthesized when skin is exposed to sunlight.
(c) Black heads are caused due to hormonal influence and inflammation of the sebaceous gland.
(d) Ceruminous glands are modified sweat glands.
(e) The optimum temperature for enzymatic activity in our body is 41°C to 45°C.
Answer
(a) Melanin protects us from ultraviolet rays.
(b) Vitamin D can be synthesized when skin is exposed to sunlight.
(c) Acne are caused due to hormonal influence and inflammation of the sebaceous gland.
(d) Ceruminous glands are modified sebaceous glands.
(e) The optimum temperature for enzymatic activity in our body is 35°C to 40°C.
Short Answer Type

Question 1
Define
(a) Skin
(b) Piloerection
(c) Heatstroke
(d) Perspiration
(e) Stratum malpighi
Answer
(a) Skin — Skin is the outermost covering of the body stretching all over in the form of a layer. It is the largest organ of our
body.
(b) Piloerection — In Piloerection, the hair is lifted due to contraction of the erector muscle and the surface of the skin
presents a somewhat contracted and wrinkled appearance.
(c) Heatstroke — Heatstroke or sunstroke is a condition in which sweat production is unable to keep pace with its
evaporation in very hot winds.
(d) Perspiration — The process of sweating out as a result of thermoregulation is called perspiration.
(e) Stratum malpighi — The innermost germinative layer of epidermis is called stratum malpighi.

Question 2
Distinguish between:
(a) Leukoderma/Vitiligo and Albinism.
(b) Cold blooded and Warm blooded animals.
(c) Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction.
(d) Hibernation and Aestivation.
(e) Pimples and Black heads.
Answer
(a) Difference between Leukoderma/Vitiligo and Albinism :
Leukoderma/Vitiligo Albinism

Skin pigmentation is lost from smaller or longer Complete loss of pigmentation all over the body
patches at different region of the body. including hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and even the iris.

Exact cause of Leukoderma is not yet known. Albinism is a recessive trait caused due to inheritance.
(b) Difference between Cold blooded and Warm blooded animals :
Cold blooded animals Warm blooded animals

Body temperature of cold-blooded animals Body temperature of warm-blooded animals remains

 Cold blooded animals Warm blooded animals

changes with the temperature of their constant and is not affected by the temperature of their
surroundings. surroundings.

Cold blooded animals undergo aestivation or Warm blooded animals do not undergo aestivation or
hibernation. hibernation.

Example: Reptiles Example: Mammals

(c) Difference between Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction :
Vasodilation Vasoconstriction

Dilation of blood capillaries near the skin. Constriction of blood capillaries near the skin.

Caused due to increase in temperature. Caused due to decrease in temperature.

Leads to loss of body heat. Conserves body heat.

(d) Difference between Hibernation and Aestivation :
Hibernation Aestivation

Hibernation is a state of reduced metabolic activity

Aestivation is a state of dormancy that animals enter
and lowered body temperature that animals enter
during hot and dry seasons (summer sleep),
during winter (winter sleep) or periods of food
typically in response to extreme heat or drought.
scarcity.

The main purpose of aestivation is to avoid

The main purpose of hibernation is to conserve
excessive water loss and survive in arid
energy and survive unfavorable conditions.
environments.

Animals undergoing aestivation also reduce their

Animals that hibernate experience a significant drop
metabolic rate and activity, but the reduction is not
in metabolic rate, heart rate, and body temperature.
as extreme as in hibernation.
(e) Difference between Pimples and Black heads :
Pimples Black heads

Pimples are caused by growth of bacteria due Black heads are caused due to open pores getting
to sebum accumulation. clogged with dead skin cells and sebum.

Pimples appear as red, inflamed bumps on the Black heads appear black and dark due to oxidation by the
skin. air.

Question 3
Write the exact location of the following:
(a) Melanin
(b) Keratin
(c) Hypothalamus
(d) Granular layer
(e) Matrix
Answer
(a) Melanin — Malpighian layer (stratum malpighi) which is the innermost layer of the epidermis.
(b) Keratin — Nail.
(c) Hypothalamus — Fore brain.
(d) Granular layer — Middle layer of epidermis present below the outer cornified layer (stratum corneum).
(e) Matrix — Below the surface of the skin at the base of the nail.

Question 4
Write the important role(s) of:
(a) Cerumen
(b) Sebum
(c) Keratin
(d) Melanin
(e) Secretion of meibomian glands
Answer
(a) Cerumen — Wax like substance which protects and lubricates the delicate eardrum from dust particles and germs.
(b) Sebum — It makes the hair and outer surface of skin oily and waterproof.
(c) Keratin — In nails, Keratin forms the nail plate which provides a hard, protective covering over the nail bed.
(d) Melanin — It is responsible for colouration of the skin. It also protects the inner parts of the body from harmful ultraviolet
rays of the Sun.
(e) Secretion of meibomian glands — It lubricates the margins of the eyelids and prevents the overflow of tears.

Question 5
Give reasons/Explain:
(a) Skin can be considered as an accessory excretory organ.
(b) A normal healthy young person can start perspiring even when the outside atmosphere is intensely cold.
(c) Hairs can be used in forensic investigation.
Answer
(a) Skin assists in the process of excretion of water, salts and to a very limited extent, urea through sweating. Since
sweating occurs mainly for temperature regulation hence skin can be considered as an accessory excretory organ.
(b) A normal healthy young person can start perspiring even in cold atmosphere due to psychic influences such as fright or
nervousness. This is referred to as "cold sweat".
(c) Hairs from different part of body show subtle differences. Hair follicles, found at the root of the hair, have the highest
concentration of DNA, making them particularly valuable for DNA analysis. Therefore, hairs can be used in forensic
investigation.

Question 6
State any two functions of the mammalian skin other than those concerned with heat regulation.
Answer
The two functions of the mammalian skin are-

1. The primary function of skin is to provide protection through four different means:
i. Mechanical shocks.
ii. Prevention of excessive water loss.
iii. Prevents entry of diseases.
iv. Protects the body against excess ultraviolet light.
2. The skin stores reserve food in the form of a layer of fat contained in special cells.
Question 7
What is "goose-flesh"? How is it brought about?
Answer
"Goose-flesh" is the term used to describe the contracted and wrinkled appearance of the skin that occurs during winter or
in response to certain emotions. It is caused by the contraction of the erector muscles, located between the hair follicles and
the outer part of the dermis. These muscles pull the hair upright, causing the skin to appear rough and forming bumps on
the surface.
Long Answer Type

Question 1
Enumerate in a tabular form the different structures found in the epidermis and dermis of the human skin.
Answer
The different structures found in the epidermis and dermis of the human skin are:
Epidermis Dermis

Stratum corneum (cornified layer) — It is the It is the inner thick layer of connective tissue made of elastic
outermost layer of piled up dead cells of fibers and is tough and flexible. it consists of nerve fibers,
protein called keratin. blood vessels, sense organs, hair follicles, sweat glands etc.

Granular layer — Thin middle layer having 2-

3 sublayers of flattened cells.

Malpighian layer (germinative layer)

innermost layer of the epidermis where the
cells divide actively to generate new cells.

Question 2
Explain the terms "vasodilation" and "vasoconstriction". How do these processes contribute in the regulation of the body
temperature?
Answer
Vasodilation — It is the dilation of blood vessels in the skin that leads to an increase in the blood supply.
Vasoconstriction — It is the narrowing of the blood vessels causing reduction in the blood supply to the skin.
Temperature Regulation:
In Cold Weather — When temperature is low, the blood vessels get narrowed. This reduces the blood supply to the skin. As
a result, there is less loss of heat by convection, conduction and radiation and also less loss of it through vaporization of
sweat because with reduced blood supply, the sweat gland secrete less sweat.
In Hot Weather — When outside temperature is high, there is vasodilation which results in greater loss of heat by radiation
etc. and also by vaporization of sweat which is now produced in larger quantities due to the rich system of blood to the skin.
Air movements over the body help to speed up evaporation of sweat leading to cooling effect on our body.

Question 3
How does our skin provide protection to our body against the following?

1. Entry of germs
2. Excessive loss of heat in severe cold
3. Entry of harmful ultra-violet rays.
Answer
It provides protection in the following ways:

1. Entry of germs — The skin checks the entry of toxic substances or the agents causing infection into the body.
2. Excessive loss of heat in severe cold — The skin prevents loss of heat in cold weather and facilitates loss of
heat in hot weather.
3. Entry of harmful ultra-violet rays — It protects the body against excess ultra violet light which is potentially very
harmful.
Structured / Application / Skill Type

Question 1
Draw a labelled diagram of the generalized vertical section of mammalian skin.
Answer
Below diagram shows the generalized vertical section of mammalian skin:
Question 2
Given below is a diagrammatic sketch of the vertical section of human skin.

(a) Label the parts numbered 1 to 9

(b) State one main function of each of the following parts:

1. Part 2.
2. Part 3.
3. Part 4.
4. Part 9.
(c) Name any one of the above parts which has at least three functions.
(d) Part 4 may add to one's good appearances or the "figure". State one example of this function which may be common to
both men and women.
Answer
(a) The labels are as follows:

 1 → Sweat-pore
 2 → Sebaceous gland
 3 → Sweat gland
 4 → Fat
 5 → Dermis
  6 → Stratum Malpighian
 7 → Stratum corneum
 8 → Epidermis
 9 → Hair
(b)

1. In the given figure, Part 2 is sebaceous gland. Its main function is to produce sebum to help keep the skin moist.
2. In the given figure, Part 3 is sweat gland. It secretes a transparent liquid (sweat) containing water and salts from the
body in order to regulate body temperature.
3. In the given figure, Part 4 is Fat. The skin stores food in the form of a fat layer.
4. In the given figure, Part 9 is hair. Hair provides a touch sensation. It can be also used in the forensic study.
(c) From the above parts, the one which has atleast three functions is Sebaceous gland. Its functions are the following:

1. Protects skin
2. Produces sebum that lubricates hair and skin of mammals.
3. Sebum also protects from bacterial and fungal infections.
(d) In the given figure, Part 4 is fat. Fat accumulation in body plays a major role in determining if a person is overweight,
underweight or just the right weight for both males and females. Person with balanced body weight is considered healthy.
So, the right amount of fat at right places of body gives nice appearance and figure to both males and females.
Question 3
The figures A and B given below represent the ways of heat regulation in our body with the help of blood vessels. Study the
figures and answer the following questions.
(a) Name the process/condition shown in figures A and B.
(b) During what climatic conditions, do these processes occur in our body?
(c) What colour change do we see in the facial appearance of a person during these situations?
(d) Do these situations occur due to emotional causes? If yes, name them.
Answer
(a) The process/condition shown in figures A and B are :

 A → Vasoconstriction
 B → Vasodilation
(b) Vasoconstriction occurs in cold climatic conditions. Vasodilation occurs in hot climatic conditions.
(c) The facial appearance of a person becomes pale or bluish during vasoconstriction and reddish during vasodilation.
(d) These situations may occur due to fright, nervousness or sudden emotion.