Integumentary system
OVERVIEW OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerves. The main function of the integumentary system is to act as a barrier to protect the body from foreign substances. It also functions to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste, and regulate body temperatures. To perform these functions, the integumentary system works with the other body systems to maintain the internal conditions vital for proper functioning of the human body.
The Integumenary System:
Skin - The largest organ of the body, skin weighs nearly 10 pounds and covers 20 square feet by the time one is done growing. Skin is only composed of two layers; the dermis (deep) and epidermis (superficial). There is also a third layer, but it is not truly a layer of skin. It is known the hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, and it connects the skin to the underlying muscles and bones. The skin is a barrier to foreign bodies for the body. The skin is the first line of defense for infections and other foreign substances that may try to enter the body, but it also acts as a thermoregulator. It serves to insulate the body and allow homeostasis to occur.
Hair - Hair is present on all skin surfaces, although some surfaces are not able to support it as well as others. Each hair develops from a group of epidermal cells at the hair follicle. Hair is associated with sebaceous glands (secrete oils) and are composed of keratinized cells.
Nails - Nails are present on the proximal ends of all phalangeal structures (fingers and toes). Similar to claws of an animal, human nails are composed of keratin. The nails can be split up into different sections such as the nail plate, matrix, and nail bed (listed from proximal to distal). Although containing no nerve endings, the nails serve to provide additional sensitivity to the fingertips, as well as protecting underlying tissue.
Glands - Sweat (sudoriferous) glands and sebaceous glands also make this system. The sweat glands, such as eccrine glands, are commonly found on the neck, back, and forehead. These areas secrete sweat during physical exercise or when exposed to excessive heat. They also produce the moisture that lies on one's palms and soles when stressed. The sebaceous glands secrete oils, or sebum, that acts as a natural lotion to the body. Glands differ within males and females in location and to extent in which they act, but they still share the same functions.
Information from this page was gathered from: http://www.innerbody.com/anatomy/integumentary
Skin - The largest organ of the body, skin weighs nearly 10 pounds and covers 20 square feet by the time one is done growing. Skin is only composed of two layers; the dermis (deep) and epidermis (superficial). There is also a third layer, but it is not truly a layer of skin. It is known the hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, and it connects the skin to the underlying muscles and bones. The skin is a barrier to foreign bodies for the body. The skin is the first line of defense for infections and other foreign substances that may try to enter the body, but it also acts as a thermoregulator. It serves to insulate the body and allow homeostasis to occur.
Hair - Hair is present on all skin surfaces, although some surfaces are not able to support it as well as others. Each hair develops from a group of epidermal cells at the hair follicle. Hair is associated with sebaceous glands (secrete oils) and are composed of keratinized cells.
Nails - Nails are present on the proximal ends of all phalangeal structures (fingers and toes). Similar to claws of an animal, human nails are composed of keratin. The nails can be split up into different sections such as the nail plate, matrix, and nail bed (listed from proximal to distal). Although containing no nerve endings, the nails serve to provide additional sensitivity to the fingertips, as well as protecting underlying tissue.
Glands - Sweat (sudoriferous) glands and sebaceous glands also make this system. The sweat glands, such as eccrine glands, are commonly found on the neck, back, and forehead. These areas secrete sweat during physical exercise or when exposed to excessive heat. They also produce the moisture that lies on one's palms and soles when stressed. The sebaceous glands secrete oils, or sebum, that acts as a natural lotion to the body. Glands differ within males and females in location and to extent in which they act, but they still share the same functions.
Information from this page was gathered from: http://www.innerbody.com/anatomy/integumentary