ATI TEAS Integumentary System

Integumentary system

Body system consisting of skin, hair, nails, and glands that protects the body and regulates temperature

What is the main function of the integumentary system?

To protect the body, regulate temperature, and maintain homeostasis

Skin

Largest organ of the body that acts as a protective barrier

What structures are part of the integumentary system?

Skin, hair, nails, and glands

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin that forms a protective barrier

What is the function of the epidermis?

To protect against pathogens and prevent water loss

Dermis

Middle layer of skin containing blood vessels, glands, and nerve endings

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)

Inner layer that stores fat and insulates the body

What layer contains hair follicles and glands?

Dermis

Melanocytes

Cells in epidermis that produce melanin

Melanin

Pigment that gives skin color and protects against UV radiation

What is the function of melanin?

To protect skin from ultraviolet damage

Hair follicles

Structures in skin that produce hair

Nails

Structures that protect the tips of fingers and toes

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce oil (sebum) to lubricate skin and hair

Sudoriferous glands

Sweat glands that help regulate temperature

Eccrine sweat glands

Glands that produce sweat for cooling

Apocrine sweat glands

Glands that produce thicker sweat, often associated with odor

Ceruminous glands

Glands that produce earwax

What is the function of sweat?

To cool the body and remove waste

Excretion (integumentary)

Removal of waste like salts, urea, and water through sweat

What substances are excreted in sweat?

Water, salts, urea, and small amounts of waste

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions

How does the integumentary system maintain homeostasis?

By regulating temperature and fluid balance

What happens when body temperature rises?

Sweat production increases and blood vessels dilate

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to release heat

What happens when body temperature drops?

Blood vessels constrict to conserve heat

Cutaneous vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels in the skin to reduce heat loss

Why do blood vessels dilate in heat?

To bring more blood to surface and release heat

Why do blood vessels constrict in cold?

To keep heat within the body

Sensory receptors

Nerve endings that detect touch, temperature, and pain

What is the role of sensory receptors in skin?

To allow interaction with the environment

What vitamin is produced in the skin?

Vitamin D

How is vitamin D produced?

UV light stimulates production in the skin

What happens to old skin cells?

They die and form a tough outer protective layer

Why is the outer epidermis waterproof?

Dead cells form a protective barrier

How does the integumentary system protect against pathogens?

By acting as a physical barrier

What would happen if the epidermis is damaged?

Increased risk of infection and water loss

How does sweating cool the body?

Evaporation removes heat from the skin

Why is the integumentary system important for survival?

It protects, regulates temperature, and maintains balance in the body