The Skin & Ear Notes

THE SKIN
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SKIN

•The skin is the largest organ of the human body.
•It covers the entire body and protects internal organs from external factors.
•The skin has three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous
layer).
FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN
•Protection: Acts as a barrier to protect the body from physical damage, harmful
substances, and microorganisms.
•Regulation: Helps regulate body temperature through sweating and blood vessel
dilation or constriction.
•Sensation: Contains nerve endings that detect touch, pressure, pain, and temperature
changes.
•Excretion: Removes waste products through sweat.
•Synthesis of Vitamin D: When exposed to sunlight, the skin helps produce Vitamin D,
essential for bone health.
•Storage: Stores fat and water.
LAYERS OF THE ▪The outermost layer: Epidermis
SKIN ▪Contains melanocytes, which
produce melanin, the pigment
responsible for skin colour.
▪Acts as a barrier against
pathogens and helps prevent
water loss.
LAYERS OF THE ▪The middle layer: Dermis
SKIN ▪Contains blood vessels, nerve endings, hair
follicles, and sweat glands.
▪Provides strength and elasticity due to the
presence of collagen and elastin fibers.
LAYERS OF THE ▪The innermost layer: Hypodermis
(Subcutaneous Layer)
SKIN ▪Consists of fat and connective tissue.
▪Insulates the body and absorbs shock.
OTHER STRUCTURES ▪Hair: Provides protection, helps regulate
body temperature, and enhances the sense
OF THE SKIN of touch.
▪Nails: Protect the tips of fingers and toes and
aid in grasping objects.
▪Glands: Sebaceous (Oil) Glands: Produce
sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the
skin and hair.
▪Sweat Glands: Help regulate body
temperature and excrete waste products.
HOW SENSATION WORKS
1. When you touch something, the sensory receptors in your skin are activated by the
stimulus (like pressure or temperature).
2. These receptors convert the stimulus into electrical signals.
3. The signals travel through nerves to the spinal cord and then to the brain.
4. The brain processes the signals and tells you what you're feeling (like a soft touch,
a sharp pain, or a hot surface).
COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS
▪Acne : Caused by blocked sebaceous glands leading to pimples.
▪Eczema: Inflammation causing itchy, red, and dry skin.
▪Psoriasis: A condition where skin cells multiply rapidly, forming red patches with white
scales.
TIPS ON SKIN CARE
▪Keep skin clean to prevent infections.
▪Moisturize to maintain hydration.
▪Protect skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen.
▪Eat a balanced diet to support skin health.
EXAMPLES OF STIMULI DETECTED BY
THE SKIN
▪Touch: When you pet a cat, mechanoreceptors in your skin detect the softness of the
fur.
▪Pressure: When you squeeze a stress ball, mechanoreceptors sense the pressure.
▪Temperature: When you touch ice, thermoreceptors sense the cold.
▪Pain: When you accidentally prick your finger, nociceptors detect the pain.
SKIN DOCTORS
Doctors who care for the skin and treat skin conditions are dermatologist.
THE EAR
INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMAN
EAR
▪The ear is a sensory organ responsible for hearing and balance.
▪It has three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.
THE PARTS OF THE Outer Ear: Pinna (Auricle):
HUMAN EAR ▪The visible part of the ear that collects sound
waves.
▪Ear Canal: A tube that channels sound waves
to the eardrum.
PARTS OF THE Middle Ear:
HUMAN EAR Eardrum: A thin membrane that vibrates
when sound waves hit it.
Ossicles: Three tiny bones (malleus, incus,
stapes) that amplify the vibrations from the
eardrum.
Eustachian Tube: A tube that connects the
middle ear to the throat, helping to equalize
pressure.
PARTS OF THE •Inner Ear:Cochlea: A spiral-shaped,
fluid-filled structure that converts vibrations
HUMAN EAR into nerve signals.
•Auditory Nerve: Carries nerve signals from
the cochlea to the brain.
•Semicircular Canals: Three loops filled with
fluid that help maintain balance.
HOW HEARING WORKS
1. The pinna collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.
2. Sound waves travel through the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate.
3. The ossicles amplify these vibrations and transmit them to the cochlea in the inner
ear.
4. Inside the cochlea, the vibrations create waves in the fluid, stimulating hair cells.
These hair cells convert the mechanical vibrations into electrical nerve signals.
5. The auditory nerve carries these signals to the brain, where they are interpreted
as sound.
COMMON EAR PROBLEMS
Ear Infections: Often caused by bacteria or viruses, leading to pain and swelling.
Hearing Loss: Can result from damage to the ear structures or exposure to loud noises.
Tinnitus: A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears without an external source.
Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often related to issues in the inner ear
EAR CARE
▪Avoid inserting objects into the ear to prevent damage.
▪Keep ears dry to prevent infections.
▪Use ear protection in noisy environments to prevent hearing loss.
▪Maintain good hygiene, but be cautious with ear cleaning.
EAR DOCTORS
They are known as ENT doctors (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors), specialize in caring
for the ears, nose, and throat.

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THE SKIN

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SKIN

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