Integument

Question 1

The common integument?

Answer 1

The common integument?

.The outer protective covering of the body.

.The skin, hair, pads and claws.

Question 2

Skin functions?

Answer 2

Skin functions?

.Protection - against pathogens, water, ultraviolet radiation and physical trauma.

.Sensory - seneory nerves to detect temperature, pressure, touch and pain.

.Secretion - sebum, sweat and pheromones by glands.

.Production - vitamin D increases metabolism of calcium.

.Storage - adipose tissue and insulating layer

.Thermoregulation - skin prevents heat loss by diverting blood away from the surface by vasoconstriction.

.Communication - pheromones scents

Question 3

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)?

Answer 3

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)?

.Below the skin e.g. epidermis and dermis.

.Contains - adipose tissue, elastic fibres, veins and arteries.

.Subcutaneous injections are given here.

Question 4

Dermis?

Answer 4

Dermis?

.Deep layer of skin under the epidermis.

.Contains - blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands.

Question 5

Epidermis?

Answer 5

Epidermis?

.Is the external layer of skin

.It’s avascular and gets its nutrients from the blood vessels within the dermis.

.Produces new cells.

.Keratinisation begins here and it provides extra protection against areas that get extra wear e.g. footpads.

Question 6

Skin glands?

Answer 6

Skin glands?

.Sebaceous glands - secrete an oily substance called sebum that forms a waterproof layer on the skin. Also has an antiseptic quality.

.Modified sebaceous glands - secrete pheromones that influence the behaviour of another animal e.g. anal glands.

.Sweat glands - on nose and footpads of K9 & Fl. They release sweat which contains lysozymes with antibacterial properties.

.Mammary glands - modified enlarged sweat glands that secrete milk.

Question 7

Hair?

Answer 7

Hair?

.Keratinised structure produced by a hair follicle.

.Hair root is hair inside the skin.

.Hair shaft is hair above the skin.

.Hair growth - hair continues to grow until it eventually dies and becomes detached from the follicle and once the hair is shed a new hair follicle develops and new hair grows.

Question 8

Footpads?

Answer 8

Footpads?

.7 on the forepaw

.5 on the hind paw.

Question 9

Claws?

Answer 9

Claws?

.Protect the ends of the phalanges during walking.

.Provide grip when walking

.Cats are sharp and used as a weapon for defense and for climbing.