Integumentary System
Integumentary System Consists of the skin, hair and nails Acts as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world
Skin One of body’s largest organs It’s able to repair itself It has sensory receptors to monitor the external environment It rids body of wastes It has 2 layers: Epidermis Dermis
Epidermis The outer layer of skin Made of sheets of flattened, scaly epithelial cells Top layers made of mostly dead cells that are lost daily: This is most exposed to dangers of the outside, so it gives a protective layer Replaced by new cells from lower layers Filled with protein called keratin: Gives skin its rough, leathery texture and makes it waterproof
So Many Colors Color of skin determined by a brown pigment called melanin Made in the lower layers of the epidermis Absorbs UV radiation UV radiation can damage DNA in skin and lead to skin cancer The amount produced depends on heredity and how much UV radiation you’re exposed to
Dermis The inner layer of the skin It contains: Living cells Sensory neurons: monitor signals from the environment (heat/pressure) Blood vessels: nourishment for living cells; helps regulate body temperature Muscle fibers: contract & pull hair upright (“goose bumps”) Glands: produce sweat to cool body; oil to soften skin Fat cells below dermis: energy reserve; insulation; shock absorbing layer Video: What Is Skin For?
Glands Exocrine glands: Release secretions through ducts. Main exocrine glands: Sweat glands: Release excess water, salts, urea through skin. Cools body when sweat evaporates Oil glands: secrete a fatty substance called sebum. Many are on your face and scalp If glands clog, acne can result
Nails Protect ends of fingers & toes Form from roots at base and sides of nail New cells in root form: nail grows longer Nails made of keratin Changes in shape, structure, and appearance can indicate disease in body
Hair Protects and insulates body Produced in pits of dermis called hair follicles Composed of dead, keratin filled cells that overlap like roof shingles Oil glands prevent hair from drying out Individual hairs grow for several years then fall out Hair color result of melanin & heredity