Integumentary System Flashcards
Integumentary system
Refers to the body’s largest organ, the skin. Contains organs, glands, that protect the body and regulate temperature. An organ system comprised of skin and its associated organs.
Structure of the Integumentary System
Consists of skin, hair, nails, sebaceous, sudoriferous, and ceruminous glands. Within the skin, there are hair follicles, sweat glands, and blood vessels.
Skin is divided
into the epidermis( outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutaneous or hypodermis( inner layer).
Epidermis
Outer layer of the skin. Made up of dead skin cells and inner layer of living cells. Contains melanocytes, produce and distribute melanin.
Dermis
Beneath the epidermis is the dermis. Contains collagen, blood vessels, glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings.
Functions of the Integumentary System I
The epidermis provides a barrier between the body and outside pathogens, such as bacteria. Prevents the body from drying out. Epidermis divide quickly, pushing older cells toward the surface. These cells create a tough, waterproof outer surface.
Hypodermis
The innermost layer is the hypodermis.The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous tissue, is the deepest layer of the skin. It lies beneath the dermis and consists primarily of adipose tissue (fat).Loose connective tissue: Contains blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic vessels, and sweat glands.
Functions of the Integumentary System II
Melanocytes in the epidermis produce melanin, which protects body from UV from the sun. Skin cells also produce nails that protect the tips of fingers and toes.
Functions of the Integumentary System III
Another function is excretion. Water, minerals, sodium, chloride, and magnesium are excreted by glands. Sweat contains trace amounts of urea, lactic acid, and alcohol.
Functions of Integumentary System IV
Skin contains sensory nerve endings that allow the body to detect touch, change in temperature, pain. Found in the dermis layer of the skin. Also produces vitamin D when Ultraviolet light hits the skin.
Homeostasis and the Integumentary System
The maintenance of a constant internal environment. Plays a vital role in homeostasis. When the body becomes too warm, sweat glands produce sweat. Evaporation of sweat creates a cooling effect. Blood vessels in the skin can also dilate when the body is warm. The dilated blood vessels carry more blood closer to the skin’s surface, appear as flushed cheeks. Blood is then cooled and returned to deeper tissue at a cooler temperature. If the body is too cold, blood vessels constrict, so less blood is carried to the skin surface.
Excretion
Elimination of metabolic waste from the body.
Sebaceous glands
Accessory structures originating in the dermis that secrete sebum onto hair emerging from the hair follicle.
Ceruminous glands
Accessory structures that produce ear wax. They are found in the dermis of the ear canal.
Hair follicles
Tubes arising from the dermis are surrounded by invaginations of epithelial tissue, from which hair growth occurs.
