Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

5. Integumentary System

Introduction to the Integumentary System

Anatomy & Physiology

5. Integumentary System

Introduction to the Integumentary System

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2:03 minutes

Problem 18

Textbook Question

Both newborn infants and aged individuals have very little subcutaneous tissue. How does this affect their sensitivity to cold environmental temperature?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of subcutaneous tissue: Subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis, is a layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the skin. It acts as insulation, helping to retain body heat and protect against cold temperatures.

Recognize the physiological impact of reduced subcutaneous tissue: Without sufficient subcutaneous fat, the body loses heat more rapidly to the environment, making it harder to maintain a stable internal temperature (homeostasis).

Relate this to newborns and aged individuals: Both groups have reduced subcutaneous tissue. Newborns are still developing their fat stores, while aged individuals often lose subcutaneous fat due to aging-related changes in metabolism and tissue structure.

Explain the increased sensitivity to cold: Because of the lack of insulation, both newborns and aged individuals are more prone to heat loss, making them feel colder in low environmental temperatures and increasing their risk of hypothermia.

Discuss compensatory mechanisms: To counteract this sensitivity, newborns rely on non-shivering thermogenesis (burning brown fat for heat), while aged individuals may have a reduced ability to generate heat due to decreased metabolic activity and impaired thermoregulatory responses.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Subcutaneous Tissue

Subcutaneous tissue, or hypodermis, is the layer of fat and connective tissue located beneath the skin. It plays a crucial role in insulation, energy storage, and cushioning. In both newborns and the elderly, reduced subcutaneous tissue can lead to decreased insulation, making them more susceptible to heat loss in cold environments.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature. It involves physiological and behavioral responses to environmental changes. Infants and older adults often have impaired thermoregulation, which can hinder their ability to generate heat or respond effectively to cold, increasing their risk of hypothermia.

Physiological Responses to Cold

Physiological responses to cold include shivering, vasoconstriction, and increased metabolic rate to generate heat. Newborns and elderly individuals may have diminished shivering response and slower metabolic rates, which can compromise their ability to maintain body temperature in cold conditions, leading to heightened sensitivity to cold.