And It’s Functions

Integument means “covering”

So the integumentary system is the skin and its appendages

And this system consists of the skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerves and among these the skin is the largest organ of the human body.

You may be aware that one of the main functions of the integumentary system is as a protective barrier, that keeps our body free from intrusion from foreign materials, microorganisms and prevents dehydration. The integumentary system function also helps in elimination the waste products and in the regulation of body temperature.

Skin is continuous with, but structurally distinct from mucous membranes that line the mouth, anus, urethra, and vagina. Two distinct layers occur in the skin: the dermis and epidermis. The basic cell type of the epidermis is the keratinocyte, which contain keratin, a fibrous protein. Basal cells are the innermost layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, and are also in the inner layer of the epidermis. The dermis is a connective tissue layer under the epidermis, and contains nerve endings, sensory receptors, capillaries, and elastic fibers.

The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis, including protection, temperature regulation, sensory reception, biochemical synthesis, and absorption.

Hair follicles are lined with cells that synthesize the proteins that form hair. A sebaceous gland (that secretes the oily coating of the hair shaft), capillary bed, nerve ending, and small muscle are associated with each hair follicle.

Hair, scales, feathers, claws, horns, and nails are animal structures derived from skin. The hair shaft extends above the skin surface, the hair root extends from the surface to the base or hair bulb. Genetics controls several features of hair: baldness, color, texture.

Eccrine glands are a type of sweat gland linked to the sympathetic nervous system; they occur all over the body. Apocrine glands are the other type of sweat gland, and are larger and occur in the armpits and groin areas; these produce a solution that bacteria act upon to produce "body odor".

Nails consist of highly keratinized, modified epidermal cells. The nail arises from the nail bed, which is thickened to form a lunula (or little moon). Cells forming the nail bed are linked together to form the nail.

Skin functions in homeostasis include protection, regulation of body temperature, sensory reception, water balance, synthesis of vitamins and hormones, and absorption of materials. The skin's primary functions are to serve as a barrier to the entry of microbes and viruses, and to prevent water and extracellular fluid loss. Acidic secretions from skin glands also retard the growth of fungi. Melanocytes form a second barrier: protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. When a microbe penetrates the skin (or when the skin is breached by a cut) the inflammatory response occurs.

Heat and cold receptors are located in the skin. When the body temperature rises, the hypothalamus sends a nerve signal to the sweat-producing skin glands, causing them to release about 1-2 liters of water per hour, cooling the body. The hypothalamus also causes dilation of the blood vessels of the skin, allowing more blood to flow into those areas, causing heat to be convected away from the skin surface. When body temperature falls, the sweat glands constrict and sweat production decreases. If the body temperature continues to fall, the body will engage in thermiogenesis, or heat generation, by raising the body's metabolic rate and by shivering.

In hot weather up to 4 liters per hour can be lost by these mechanisms. Skin damaged by burns is less effective at preventing fluid loss, often resulting in a possibly life threatening problem if not treated.

The skin also assists in the synthesis of vitamin D. Children lacking sufficient vitamin D develop bone abnormalities known as rickets.

: Surface of approx 2 sq mtrs One sixth body's mass. Heaviest single organ. Protective Waterproof Major sensory organ Eyelids have the thinnest skin Back has the thickest skin (dermis) Sole of heel has the thickest skin (all layers) Hair grows approx. 1 cm a month Average head hair is around 120,000 Nails grow approx. .5 mm per week Two to five million sweat glands are a bacteria haven

The skin is the largest organ in the body: 12-15% of body weight, with a surface area of 1-2 meters

And…

Water loss occurs in the skin by two routes. evaporation sweating

fssfsd10 WAYS TO

110 WAYS TO KEEP SKIN

HEALTHY

1. Wash your face regularly◦ If you don’t wash our face before bedtime, all the

bacteria, dirt, and dust you have gathered throughout the day will stick to youre pillow and sheets. It also aggravates the acne and can cause it to spread

2.Change your pillow casesIf you don’t shower before you go to bed, be sure to change out your pillow cases regularly, at least twice a month. If you are a smoker you should change your pillow case the next day if you did not shower that night. This is because the smoke will gather in your hair and irritate your skin.

3. Stop the habit of touching your face◦ If you can’t quit this habit, then be sure to

constantly clean your hands so you don’t transfer any bacteria to your face.

4.Eat healthyIt is important to stick to a proper diet if you want healthy skin. You need to eat as little junk food as possible, but if you can’t control yourself, then be sure to add many fruits and vegetables to your means daily.

5. Drink lots of water◦ It is best to drink at least eight glasses of water

daily to stay hydrated. Drink more whenever you work out or sweat to make sure you replace the fluids that you lost.

6. Avoid unhealthy sunlightSunlight is healthy if it is not between 10am and 4pm. If you want to bathe in the sun, be sure to do it in the morning. The sunlight is bad for your skin after 10am, so be sure to apply sunlight.

7. Work out◦ Exercise is very important as it helps increase

blood flow. It also allows oxygen to circulate throughout your body, which in turn will keep the skin healthy and vibrant.

8. Avoid heavy makeupMakeup contains many different kinds of chemicals. If you put on too much makeup everyday, your fae will get irritated and acne will develop.

9. Always wear moisturizer◦ This is to help you’re skin stay supple and young.

Even if you have oily skin, there are moisturizers our there for all skin types.

10. Get enough sleepIt is best to have 8 hours of sleep daily if you want healthy skin. If you do not get enough sleep, it will dry up your skin.

http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookintegusys.html

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/integysystem_resource.html

http://www.acne-treatmentblog.com/acne/10-ways-to-keep-your-skin-healthy.html