Integumentary System

Functions of integumentary system

• Protecting the body from the environment, bacteria, and other foreign organisms

• Regulating the temperature of the body

• Serving as a receptor for heat, cold, touch, pain, and pressure

• Aiding in the regulation of water and electrolytes (sodium and chloride)

Layers of skin

• Epidermis (outermost) - composed of 4 layers of cells (melanin in deepest layers)

• Dermis (much thicker than epidermis), contains vast network of blood vessels that supply the skin as well as the hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands, and sensory nerves

• Subcutaneous later - varies in thickness depending on what part of the body it covers

• The four accessory structures of the skin are the nails, hair, sweat glands, and oil glands.

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