The Integumentary System. Structure of the Skin Structure – two primary layers called epidermis and dermis, subcutaneous layer of fat (hypodermis). 1 Sq. inch contains: 500 sweat glands, over 1000 nerve endings, “yards” of blood vessels, nearly 100 sebaceous glands, 150 pressure sensors, 75 heat sensors, 10 cold sensors, millions of cells total. Epidermis Outermost and thinnest primary layer of skin Composed of several layers of stratified squamous epithelium Stratum germinativum (or basale) – innermost layer of cells that continually reproduce, and new cells move toward the surface.
Outermost layer is stratum corneum because cells are cornified (cornu = horn). As cells approach surface, cytoplasm is replaced with a tough waterproof protein called keratin (cells are called keratinocytes; kera = horn in Greek) and eventually flake off. Protection is provided by tight junctions between cells, keratin, and intercellular glycolipid, which is waterproof. Dermis Hypodermis Accessory Structures of the Skin Hair Nails Glands. Integumentary System. [Continued from above] . . . damage.
The exocrine glands of the integumentary system produce sweat, oil, and wax to cool, protect, and moisturize the skin’s surface. EpidermisThe epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin that covers almost the entire body surface. The epidermis rests upon and protects the deeper and thicker dermis layer of the skin. Structurally, the epidermis is only about a tenth of a millimeter thick but is made of 40 to 50 rows of stacked squamous epithelial cells. The epidermis is an avascular region of the body, meaning that it does not contain any blood or blood vessels.
The cells of the epidermis receive all of their nutrients via diffusion of fluids from the dermis. The epidermis is made of several specialized types of cells. The epidermis in most of the body is arranged into 4 distinct layers. DermisThe dermis is the deep layer of the skin found under the epidermis. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor. How do langerhans cells work? - Healthy Skin. Medical Definition of Hair follicle.
The Integumentary System. Integumentary System. Introduction The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerves. Its main function 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. In order to do these things, the integumentary system works with all the other systems of your body, each of which has a role to play in maintaining the internal conditions that a human body needs to function properly. Functions of the Integumentary System The integumentary system has many functions, most of which are involved in protecting you and regulating your body’s internal functions in a variety of ways: How does the integumentary system work with other systems?
Your body is a complicated system that consists of many subsystems that help to keep it functioning properly. The skin is one of the first defense mechanisms in your immune system.