Human Anatomy and Physiology: Chapter 5: Integumentary System

CHAPTER V:

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Integument means covering. The integumentary system can make up as much as 15% of the total body weight. So basically, integumentary system covers our body and largest of the body's organ systems and one of the most important. It is our first protection against bacteria, viruses and other microorganism. Integumentary also includes our hair and nails. Just imagine if we don’t have skin, nails and hair?! We will look like aliens. It also improves our physical looks. People don’t see us through our liver, kidney, lungs etc. but instead on our outer covering. Integumentary also includes our hair and nails.

Here are some of the important terms in integumentary system.

1. Epidermis- most superficial layer of the skin.

>Cells of the Epidermis:

-Keratinocytes

-Melanocytes

-Merkel Cells

-Langerhans’ Cells

2. Dermis- this is where the epidermis rests.

3. Subcutaneous Tissue- Located between the dermis, it contains collagen and elastin fibers.

4. Hairs- columns of dead, keratinized epithelial cells.

5. Nails- stratum corneum containing hard keratin.

I will not state more. These are the basic terms in integumentary system.

Here is an animation video that will help you to further understand integumentary system:

One of the roles of the integumentary system is the elimination of waste. Waste materials can be secreted through the skin to speed elimination, which explains why sometimes people have sweat which smells unusual, as their bodies are expressing waste materials.

Protection can be destroyed too like when the person burns, it is an injury to the tissue caused by heat. It has degrees depending on depths, First, second and third degree burns. This will take a long time to heal. And sadly, your skin will not go back to its normal skin. Vicky Belo is the answer!

PIMPLES! Oh! Every individual hates it! Nobody wants to have a pimple or acne. It is an inflammation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Some are caused by bacterium in the skin. Mostly, this increases during puberty.

Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer. It is when the skin is exposed to too much UV rays.

One of the scariest thing that will happen to our lives is AGING! Who wants to get old? The fact that you will not be able to do some activities that you can do before, SKIN is one of the problem. As you can see, many celebrities spent most of their money in reconstructing their skin! Especially women, they want to buy all of the anti-aging products that they see on every beauty store or products that are advertised.