Ch. 4 Integument System

Question 1

What is the function of the integument system?

Answer 1

Protection from physical & chemical stresses
Protection from uv radiation
Primary barrier against pathogens
Thermoregulation
Vitamin D synthesis- absorb calcium
Sensory input - 1) nociceptors: pain sensor
2) mechanosensory
Excretion of wastes
Control of permeability- DMSO can pass into skin

Question 2

What does the cutaneous membrane consist of?

Answer 2

Epidermis= stratified squamous epi. keratinized

Dermis= dense irregular connective tissue
–fibroblast: collagen
Hypodermis= adipose tissues

Accessory structures

• hair follicles
• nails
• sensory structures: tactile corpuscles, lamellated corpuscles

Exocrine glands