Integumary system

Integumentary System

Integumentary System

Consists of skin, hair, and nails; protects body and regulates temperature.

Skin

Largest organ, first line of defense, protects from damage and maintains temperature.

Epidermis

Outermost skin layer with no blood vessels, acts as a barrier against radiation and pathogens.

Dermis

Middle skin layer with blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles; regulates temperature and provides touch sensation.

Hypodermis

Innermost layer not technically skin; connects skin to muscles, stores fat, and insulates.

Melanin

Skin pigment determining color, produced to protect against UV radiation.

Carotene

Skin pigment found in vegetables, influences skin color to a lesser degree than melanin.

Stratum Corneum

Outermost layer of epidermis, continually sheds and protects against radiation and pathogens.

Stratum Basale

Innermost layer of epidermis, produces new cells to replace outer layer.

Sudoriferous Glands

Sweat glands releasing substances to regulate body temperature.

Sebaceous Glands

Oil glands producing sebum to keep skin and hair soft and protect against infections.

Hair Follicle

Tube in dermis where hair root grows, visible shaft protrudes from skin.

Nail Matrix

Produces cells for nail plate growth, visible part of the nail.

Nail Bed

Skin beneath nail plate, protects finger and toe tips from injury.