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Ch. 5 The Integumentary System
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 7th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 7

Which of the following is not an epidermal derivative?
a. Hair
b. Sweat gland
c. Sensory receptor
d. Sebaceous gland.

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1
Step 1: Understand what an epidermal derivative is. Epidermal derivatives are structures that develop from the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. These include hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands, which originate from epidermal cells during development.
Step 2: Review each option to determine if it originates from the epidermis. Hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands are all well-known epidermal derivatives formed by invagination or differentiation of epidermal cells.
Step 3: Consider the sensory receptor option. Sensory receptors in the skin can be of different types; some are derived from the epidermis, but many, especially mechanoreceptors and other specialized nerve endings, are actually derived from the dermis or neural tissue, not the epidermis.
Step 4: Identify which option does not fit the definition of an epidermal derivative. Since sensory receptors are primarily associated with nerve endings and dermal structures rather than epidermal origin, this option is the one that is not an epidermal derivative.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that is not an epidermal derivative based on the developmental origin of each structure.

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Key Concepts

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

Epidermal Derivatives

Epidermal derivatives are structures that develop from the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. These include hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands, which originate from epidermal cells and serve various protective and regulatory functions.
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Other Epidermal Cells

Hair, Sweat Glands, and Sebaceous Glands

Hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands are all epidermal derivatives. Hair provides protection and insulation, sweat glands help regulate body temperature through perspiration, and sebaceous glands secrete oils that lubricate the skin and hair.
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Sweat Glands

Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors in the skin detect stimuli like touch, pressure, and temperature. Unlike hair and glands, many sensory receptors are derived from neural or dermal tissues rather than the epidermis, making them not epidermal derivatives.
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Sensory Receptors