Integumentary System

Integumentary System

The Integumentary System is an organ system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The skin is only a few millimeters thick yet is by far the largest organ in the body. The average person’s skin weighs 10 pounds and has a surface area of almost 20 square feet. Skin forms the body’s outer covering and forms a barrier to protect the body from chemicals, disease, UV light, and physical damage. Hair and nails extend from the skin to reinforce the skin and protect it from environmental damage. The exocrine glands produce sweat, oil, and wax to cool, lubricate, and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals.

Structure and Function

The integumentary system serves a variety of functions. It protects the body's internal living tissues and organs, protects against invasion by infectious organism, and aids in the removal of waste products. The system also helps provide protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The skin is a sensory organ, too, with receptors for detecting heat and cold, touch, pressure, and pain.

Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system. It is composed of the epidermis and the dermis. Below these layers lies the hypodermis or subcutaneous adipose layer.

Hair

Hair is found all over the body except on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It helps to protect the skin from UV radiation.

Nails

Nails, produced by the nail root, protect the tips of fingers and toes from mechanical injury.

Exocrine Glands

Exocrine glands in the skin include sweat glands and sebaceous glands. Sweat glands produce sweat, which helps to cool the body. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair.

Diseases and Disorders

There are many diseases and disorders associated with the integumentary system. They range from the common to the rare, from the mild to the severe. Some of the most common skin diseases include skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

See Also

• Dermatology
• Human Anatomy

References

Integumentary System Resources
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