What structures are included in the integumentary system?
To review:
The structures that are included in the integumentary system.
Introduction:
Integument means covering. Skin covers the entire outside of the body. The skin is only a few millimeter thick; still it is the largest organ in the body. The skin is called an organ because it consists of a variety of tissues and each of them has its own specific task.
It protects the body from different damages like loss of water or abrasion from outside.
Explanation of Solution
Integumentary system regulates body temperature, excretes wastes in the form of sweat, works as a shield and protects the body, and provides sensory information about the surrounding environment.
Skin: It is the largest organ of the body, also known as cutaneous membrane, which covers the external surface of the body. Skin protects the body from foreign particles and consists of two layers: epidermis (superficial layer) and dermis (deeper and thick connective tissue).
Hair: Hair is a fine thread-like strand growing on the dermis layer of the human skin and is made up of a protein called keratin. It is the first line of defense protecting the body from the foreign particles.
Nail: Nails are composed of dead and keratinized epidermal cells. Nails are essential for grasping things, and to clean the body.
Sebaceous glands: Sebaceous glands contain sebum, proteins, triglycerides, and inorganic salts. These glands are associated with hair follicles and cover the hair surface and prevent skin from drying. Majority of these glands are present in eyelids, labia majora, and lips. Sebaceous glands prevent the bacterial growth on skin.
Sweat glands: The primary function of sweat glands is to maintain temperature of the body. The main function of sweat glands is to excrete waste from the body and they are generally present in dermis and subcutaneous layer. These glands secrete water, sodium and chloride ions, urea, uric acid, and glucose.
Sensory receptors: The skin contains nerve receptors and endings; sensations arising from neuron stimulation in the skin are called cutaneous sensations. These include thermal sensations and pain.
The integumentary system includes skin, hair, nails, and sensory receptors.
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Chapter 5 Solutions
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
- what is the role of the integumentary system?arrow_forwardWhat is the structure and function of the integumentary system, including the roles of the skin, hair, and nails in protecting the body and regulating temperature?arrow_forwardWhich body systems functionally interact with the integumentary system?arrow_forward
- Describe the structures that are included in the integumentary system.arrow_forwardHow dies the integumentary system acts to maintain homeostasis while swimming in the pool on a hot summer day?arrow_forwardDefine cutaneous membrane and accessory organs of the integument. List the structures that belong to each of these divisions of the integumentary system.arrow_forward
- List the changes the integumentary system undergoes with age?arrow_forwardSTATE four functions of the integumentary system and DESCRIBE the anatomical and physiological features that support these functionsarrow_forwardWhat are the two major layers of the integument and thecomponents of each?arrow_forward
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning