Canoe Lake Essay

1195 Words5 Pages
Unit 4. Case Study 1: Overcoming the Perils of Canoe Lake In this case study we will discuss how an ordinarily fun time at the lake with the family could potentially turn into a nightmare for the human body. Aside from the sunscreen, umbrellas, hats, and clothing you would normally bring with you for a day out on the lake you are also bringing along something you do not think about as often, your own personal protection and body guard from the outside world, the skin. As part of the integumentary system the skin maintains a constant body temperature, provides sensory information of environmental change, protects the body’s internal organs from the world outside, and can even heal itself when damaged. The skin is constantly protecting itself and the body from any invading microbes that it considers harmful. The specific threats that will be discussed are overheating, sunburn, a deep cut, and harmful organisms that get onto the skin as well as what the body, mainly the skin, does to counteract and defend against these threats. The skin acts as a natural protective barrier keeping the good stuff in and the harmful stuff out. While swimming in the lake you notice that something brushed up against your leg and you instantly jump backwards out of the way of the potential threat, this is due to the hair on the surface of the skin that sensed that object and in turn relayed it to the control center creating a reflex reaction. Often times we do not have enough time to move on our own so reflexes are necessary for survival, however that would have not been possible if not for the early warning system of the hair on the skin. The skin is a “water-proof” as well, which is why whenever you are swimming in the water all of the tiny harmful microbes and chemicals also swimming in the water stay in the water and are unable to enter the body through the skin. Sebum is

More about Canoe Lake Essay

Open Document