Instructions
Please read each section/question carefully. Answer questions in complete sentences, and if/when you need to cite outside materials, please use footnotes.  All work is to be typed, and may be submitted either by email or in class.  This assignment is due no later than midnight Thursday July 1st.  NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED.

Short Answer:
1) Explain how the structure of epithelial tissues matches the functions they perform.

2) Approximately 85% of all cancers are carcinomas, meaning that they arise from epithelial tissue.  Why do you think there are so many more carcinomas than sarcomas that arise from connective tissue?

3) Imagine comparing the skin to the structures and equipment that protect the contents and inhabitants of a house. Consider the epidermis, the dermis and hypodermis of the skin an explain which of them is most analogous to a cooling & heating system, to insulation, and to the wood or aluminum siding of the house.

Case Study A

Mr. A, recently diagnosed with prostate cancer has begun chemotherapy.  He noticed after the first month, that his scalp hair has thinned, and is concerned that body hair in regions such as his axillary area are falling out.  He also noticed bouts of diarrhea within a day or two of each treatment, and became concerned that his cancer was worse than previously thought.
Q1: What noncancerous tissue type is reacting to the chemotherapy?
Q2:  Explain to Mr. A that losing hair and having digestive problems are considered to be normal side effects associated with the chemotherapy.  Your explaination should include the mechanism of chemotherapy's action, and why/how this cell type is reacting.  Also explain what will happen when the chemotherapy treatments are stopped.
 

Case Study B

Ms. B is scheduled for surgery and is concerned about the scar tissue that may result.  As her surgeon, you plan on making the incision parallel to cleavage lines, thus minimizing the scarring.
Q1: What are cleavage lines?
Q2: Explain to Ms. B, so she will understand, how her scarring will be minimized.

Case Study C

Jake is playing a hard game of basketball.  The court is outside, and he is wearing new sneakers.  When Jake stops playing, after an hour or so, he is sweaty and his feet are also soaked from sweat.  As he relaxes in the shade, he takes his shoes and socks off, only to find a blister!
Q1: Explain the mechanism that caused the blister to form [hint - what did the body do - and why].
Q2: What would you recommend Jake to do about this blister?

Jake gets home a few hours later, and realizes that not only did he get a blister, but his back and shoulders are sunburned! Poor Jake.  As he looks closely in the mirror, he notices small bubbles forming.
Q3: Define a sunburn in physiological terms, identifying what layers of skin are involved in Jake's sunburn.
Q4: What systemic responses will also take place?

Guess Jake should have used a sunscreen.  The next time Jake is at the store, he stops to purchase some sunscreen. He is slightly puzzled at the SPF factors, as well as the dizzying array of ingredients.
Q5: What does SPF mean?  How is it calculated?
Q6: How will Jake know what SPF to use - can you supply guidelines for him?

Case Study D

Prentice is a 15 yr old. He has been careful about cleaning his skin, and doesnt eat that much junk food.  Prentice notices some acne, and is dismayed at his first 'breakout'.
Q1: Physiologically what are pimples?  What are blackheads?
Q2: Explain to Prentice the significance of continuing to carefully clean his skin, but not to puncture the area.