Main Function

The main function of the Integumentary Sytem is to act as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world. It also functions to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature

There are three main layers to the Integumentray System Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, which is composed of squamous cells. This layer includes two distinct types: thick skin and thin skin. Dermis: The thickest layer of the skin, which lies beneath and supports the epidermis. Hypodermis (subcutis): The innermost layer of the skin, which helps insulate the body and cushion internal organs.

Main Layers of The Integumentary Sytem

Main Structures of The Skin

There are many different structures to the skin including the Hair Follicle - A sac from which a hair grows and into which the sebaceous (oil) glands open. The follicle is lined by cells derived from the epidermal (outside) layer of the skin. Sweat Gland - Two types; Thermoregulation: sweat cools the surface of the skin and reduces body temperature. Excretion: sweat gland secretion can also provide a significant excretory route for water. Fat (adipose tissue) - provides energy, absorbs certain nutrients and maintains your core body temperature

Main Structures Part 2

Connective Tissue - bind other organs together, hold organs in place, cushion them, and fill's space

Blood Vessels - Transports blood through the body

Hair Shaft - non-growing portion of the hair that protrudes from the skin, that it, the follicle

Pore - 2 types, hair oil glands and sweat glands to be more specific it is the opening at the top of our hair follicles

Nerve ending - points on the surface of your body and inside it which send messages to your brain when you feel sensations

Arrector pili - attaches to the base of a hair follicle at one end and to dermal tissue on the other end the arrector pilimuscles contract all at once, causing the hair to "stand up straight" on the skin.

Sebaceous gland - are associated closely with hair follicles because they produce an oily substance that coats and protects the hair shaft from becoming brittle

Melanocyte - produce and distribute melanin found in the bottom layer of the skins dermis

Vein - responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart after arteries carry blood out. 

Artery - Arteries carryoxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues, except for pulmonary arteries, which carry blood to the lungs for oxygenation 

Squamous cell layer - the thickest layer of the epidermis it contains newly formed keratinocytes, which are strengthening proteins.

Basal cell layer - the innermost layer of the epidermis, and contains small round cells called basal cells new cells constantly push older ones up toward the surface of the skin, where they are eventually shed

Skin Conditions

ChickenPox

• Clusters of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters in various stages of healing all over the body
• Rash is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite
• Remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over
• Occours all over the body
• prevented by a vaccine or by taking oatmeal baths and or using ointments/moisturizer

Skin Conditions Part 2

Blister

Characterized by watery, clear, fluid-filled area on the skin

May be smaller than 1 cm or larger than 1 cm and occur alone or in groups

Can be found anywhere on the body

Treated by poking a hole in the wound and squeezing then wiping off the liquid and applying antibiotic ointment