ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a
total area of about 20 square feet. The skin
protects us from microbes and the elements,
helps regulate body temperature, and permits
the sensations of touch, heat, and cold.
Skin has three layers:

The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin,

provides a waterproof barrier and creates our
skin tone. The dermis, beneath the epidermis,
contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles,
and sweat glands. The deeper subcutaneous
tissue (hypodermis) is made of fat and
connective tissue. The skin’s color is created by
special cells called melanocytes, which produce
the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are located
in the epidermis.

The Cell Membrane

The cell membrane (plasma membrane)

is a thin semi-permeable membrane that
surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell. Its
function is to protect the integrity of the
interior of the cell by allowing certain
substances into the cell, while keeping
other substances out. It also serves as a
base of attachment for the cytoskeleton
in some organisms and the cell wall in
others. Thus the cell membrane also
serves to help support the cell and help
maintain its shape.
 The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a network of

tissues and organs that help rid the body of
toxins, waste and other unwanted
materials. The primary function of the
lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a
fluid containing infection-fighting white
blood cells, throughout the body.
The lymphatic system primarily consists of
lymphatic vessels, which are similar to the
circulatory system's veins and capillaries.
The vessels are connected to lymph
nodes, where the lymph is filtered. The
tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are
all part of the lymphatic system.

The Spleen, which is located on the left

side of the body just above the kidney, is
the largest lymphatic organ

If the spleen detects potentially dangerous

bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms
in the blood, it — along with the lymph
nodes — creates white blood cells called
lymphocytes, which act as defenders
against invaders. The lymphocytes produce
antibodies to kill the foreign microorganisms
and stop infections from spreading. Humans
can live without a spleen, although people
who have lost their spleen to disease or
injury are more prone to infections.