Integumentary System Essay

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INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM– - “INTEGUMEN” = covering - Composition of the Integumentary System 1. skin 4. specialized glands (i.e. sweat and oil glands) 2. hair 5. specialized cells (i.e. keratinocyte) 3. nails 6. specialized receptors (i.e. Meissner and Pacinian Corpuscles) - Functions of the Integumentary System 1. Maintain Body Temperature * The production of perspiration by sudoriferous (sweat) glands helps to lower body temperature back to normal. * Changes in the flow of blood to the skin also alter its insulating properties and help to adjust body temperature. 2. Protection * The skin covers the body and provides a physical barrier that protects tissues from physical abrasion, bacterial invasion, dehydration, and UV radiation. * Hair and nails also have protective function. 3. Perception of Stimuli * Contains nerve endings and receptors that detect stimuli related to temperature, touch, pressure, and pain. 4. Excretion * Not only does perspiration assume a role in helping to regulate normal body temperature, it also assists in the excretion of small amounts of water and salts. 5. Synthesis of Vitamin D * Vitamin D is actually a group of closely related compounds. Synthesis of vitamin D begins with the activation of a precursor molecule in skin by UV rays in sunlight. Enzymes in the liver and kidney then modify the molecule making vitamin D. 6. Immunity * Certain cells (i.e. Langerhan’s cells) of the epidermis are important components of immunity. 7. Blood Reservoir * The dermis has an extensive blood vessel network that accounts for 8-10% of blood flow in an adult. Skin - 2 Principal Parts of

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