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 11e

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The pigment hemoglobin in red blood cells gives skin a pinkish hue when it binds high amounts of oxygen.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. It binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues where it is needed.

Step 2: Recognize the relationship between hemoglobin and skin color. Hemoglobin contributes to the pinkish hue of the skin when it is oxygenated (bound to oxygen). This is because oxygenated hemoglobin has a bright red color, which can be seen through the skin, especially in areas with thinner skin or higher blood flow.

Step 3: Evaluate the statement provided. The statement claims that hemoglobin gives skin a pinkish hue when it binds high amounts of oxygen. This is true because oxygenated hemoglobin does indeed contribute to the pinkish hue of the skin.

Step 4: If the statement were false, you would need to correct it. For example, if the statement incorrectly attributed the pinkish hue to another pigment, such as melanin, you would clarify that melanin contributes to brown or black skin tones, not the pinkish hue caused by hemoglobin.

Step 5: Confirm the accuracy of the statement and ensure the explanation aligns with the physiological role of hemoglobin and its impact on skin color.

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Key Concepts

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

Hemoglobin Function

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. It binds to oxygen molecules, allowing for efficient oxygen delivery. However, while hemoglobin is crucial for oxygen transport, it does not directly influence skin color; rather, it is the oxygenation of blood that can affect skin tone.

Oxygen Saturation

Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen. High levels of oxygen saturation can give blood a bright red color, which may contribute to a pinkish hue in the skin, particularly in areas with thin skin. However, this effect is more pronounced in the blood vessels rather than the hemoglobin itself.

Skin Color and Blood Flow

Skin color is influenced by various factors, including melanin levels, blood flow, and oxygenation. Increased blood flow, especially in capillaries close to the skin's surface, can lead to a flushed or pinkish appearance. This phenomenon is often more noticeable during physical exertion or emotional responses, rather than being solely dependent on hemoglobin's oxygen binding.