Integumentary system


 * "Integument" redirects here; in botany, an integument refers to an outer membrane of an ovule, which later develops into a seed coat.

The integumentary system (From Latin integumentum, from integere 'to cover'; from in- + tegere 'to cover' ) is the organ system that protects the body from damage, comprising the skin and its appendages (including hair, scales, feathers, and nails). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; it may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate temperature, and is the attachment site for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature. In most terrestrial vertebrates with significant exposure to sunlight, the integumentary system also provides for vitamin D synthesis.

Layers of the skin
The integumentary system is the largest organ system. In humans, this system accounts for about 16 percent of total body weight and covers 1.5-2m2 of surface area. It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange.

The human skin (integumentary) is composed of a minimum of 3 major layers of tissue, the Epidermis, the Dermis and Hypodermis. The Dermis comprises two sections, the Papillary and Reticular layers; they contain connective tissues, vessels, glands, follicles, hair roots, sensory nerve endings, and muscular tissue. The third layer is the Hypodermis and it is made up of adipose tissue.

Epidermis

 * Main article: Epidermis

This is the top layer of skin made up of epithelial cells. It does not contain blood vessels. Its main function is protection, absorption of nutrients, and homeostasis. In structure, it consists of a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium comprising four types of cells: keratinocytes, melanocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans' cells. The major cell of the epidermis is the keratinocyte, which produces keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that aids in protection. Keratin is also a water-proofing protein. Millions of dead keratinocytes rub off daily. The majority of the skin on the body is keratinized, meaning waterproofed. The only skin on the body that is non-keratinized is the lining of skin on the inside of the mouth. Non-keratinized cells allow water to "stay" atop the structure.

The protein keratin stiffens epidermal tissue to form fingernails. Nails grow from thin area called the nail matrix; growth of nails is 1-mm per week on average. The lunula is the crescent-shape area at the base of the nail, this is a lighter colour as it mixes with the matrix cells.

Dermis

 * Main article: Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of skin, composed of dense irregular connective tissues such as collagen with elastin arranged in a diffusely bundled and woven pattern. These layers serve to give elasticity to the integument, allowing stretching and conferring flexibility, while also resisting distortions, wrinkling, and sagging. The dermal layer provides a site for the endings of blood vessels and nerves. Many chromatophores are also stored in this layer, as are the bases of integumental structures such as hair, feathers, and glands.

Hypodermis

 * Main article: Hypodermis

Although technically not part of the integumentary system, the hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, is the layer of tissue directly underneath the dermis. It is composed mainly of connective and adipose tissue. Its physiological functions include insulation, the storage of energy, and aiding in the anchoring of the skin. This is the thickest layer of the integumentary system.

Functions
The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the body. The skin has an important job of protecting the body and acts as the body’s first line of defense against infection, temperature change, and other challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:


 * Protect the body’s internal living tissues and organs
 * Protect against invasion by infectious organisms
 * Protect the body from dehydration
 * Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis
 * Help excrete waste materials through perspiration
 * Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory system)
 * Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin
 * Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light
 * Store water, fat, glucose, and vitamin D
 * Maintenance of the body form
 * Formation of new cells from stratum germinativum to repair minor injuries
 * Aid in physical examination as color of the skin may indicate many conditions e.g.it becomes yellowish in jaundice

Diseases and injuries
Possible diseases and injuries to the human integumentary system include:
 * Rash
 * Blister
 * Athlete's foot
 * Infection
 * Sunburn
 * Skin cancer
 * Albinism
 * Acne
 * Herpes
 * Cold Sores
 * Mosquito Bites