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Integumentary system

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In zootomy, the integumentary system is the external covering of the body, comprising the skin, hair, feathers, scales, nails, sweat glands and their products (sweat and mucus). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; in animals, it may serve to waterproof, cushion and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, regulate temperature and are the location of sensory receptors for pain, pressure and temperature. The name derives from the Latin integumentum, which means 'a covering'.

As an organ system

The integumentary system is often the largest organ system of an animal by surface area. It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange.


Anatomy

The cutaneous membrane (skin) and its accessory structures (hair, scales, feathers, nails, exocrine glands) make up the integumentary system.

There are three layers of skin:

  1. Epidermis
  2. Dermis
  3. Subcutaneous tissue

Below the dermis, the subcutis acts to protect underlying muscles, tissues, and other organs. Hair on the surface of the skin helps maintain body temperature and filter out harmful particles.

Cutaneous glands include:

Layers

Epidermis

The epidermis is the thin outer layer of skin that contains melanin which gives skin its color and allows for the skin to tan. Carotene, and oxygen-rich hemoglobin also contributes to the color of skin. The epidermis also encompasses the protein keratin which stiffens epidermal tissue to form finger nails. The outermost layer consists of 25-30 layers of dead cells. Further levels include:

  1. Scaly Cells form the surface of the skin
  2. Melanocytes give the skin color
  3. Langerhans cells are formed in the bone marrow and work to fight infection

It is divided into the following sub-layers:

Sublayers

Epidermis is divided into the following 5 sublayers or strata:

  1. Stratum corneum
  2. Stratum lucidum.....
  3. Stratum granulosum
  4. Stratum spinosum
  5. Stratum germinativum (also called "stratum basale")

Dermis

The dermis is the bottom-most, thick inner layer of skin, which comprises blood vessels, connective tissue, nerves, lymph vessels, sweat glands and hair shafts. It has two main layers:

  1. Upper Papillary: Contains touch receptors which communicate with the central nervous system and is responsible for the folds of the fingerprints
  2. Lower Reticular: Made of dense elastic fibers that house the hair follicles, nerves, and gland

the penis has an extra layer of skin known as the penile dermis. it is very sensitive.

Functions

The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the body. The skin has an important job of protecting the body and acts somewhat as the body’s first line of defense against infection, temperature change or other challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:

Diseases and injuries

The specialized treatment of the integumentary system is performed by dermatologists. Possible diseases and injuries to the human integumentary system include:

See also

In botany

In botany, the integument refers to the envelope of an ovule.

References

External links

Skin and related structures
Skin
Epidermis
Basement membrane
Dermis
Subcutaneous tissue
Adnexa
Skin glands
Hair
Root sheath
Hair shaft
Muscle
Pilosebaceous unit
Nail
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Dermatitis and eczema
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Human systems and organs
Musculoskeletal system
Skeletal system
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Muscular system
Circulatory system
Cardiovascular system
Lymphatic system
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Integumentary system
Haematopoietic and immune systems
Respiratory system
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