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

The Epidermis: Cells

Anatomy & Physiology

5. Integumentary System

The Epidermis: Cells

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Problem 7d

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Tactile cells produce the pigment melanin.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of tactile cells: Tactile cells, also known as Merkel cells, are specialized sensory cells located in the epidermis. Their primary function is to detect touch and relay sensory information to the nervous system. They are not involved in pigment production.

Understand the role of melanin: Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. It is produced by melanocytes, which are specialized cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Evaluate the statement: The statement claims that tactile cells produce melanin. Since tactile cells are sensory cells and not involved in pigment production, this statement is false.

Correct the false statement: To make the statement true, it should be corrected to say, 'Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin.'

Conclude: The corrected statement accurately reflects the roles of tactile cells and melanocytes in the skin.

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Key Concepts

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

Tactile Cells

Tactile cells, also known as Merkel cells, are specialized skin cells that are involved in the sensation of touch. They are located in the epidermis and are associated with nerve endings, allowing them to play a crucial role in mechanoreception. Unlike melanocytes, which produce melanin, tactile cells are primarily responsible for detecting pressure and texture.

Melanin Production

Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes, which are found in the skin, hair, and eyes. This pigment is responsible for the coloration of these tissues and provides some protection against UV radiation. The production of melanin is influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposure, particularly sunlight.

True or False Statements

True or false statements are assertions that can be evaluated as either correct or incorrect. In the context of the question, understanding the factual accuracy of statements about biological functions is essential. Correcting false statements involves identifying the inaccuracies and providing the correct information, which is a key skill in scientific literacy.