Intergumentary systems

What are the two main tissues of the skin?

Epithelial tissue (epidermis) and connective tissue (dermis).

Connective tissues

Most abundant and widely distributed

Binds structures and provides support and protection, stores fat, fills spaces, makes blood cells, protects against infections and repairs tissue damage

Cells are spread apart with an abundance of extracellular matric lying between them

Largest organ

The skin is made up of 2 square metres and weighs 4.5 KG

What makes up the intergumentary system

The skin and its associated structures and organs

2 types of tissues of the skin

Epithelial tissue

Connective tissue

2 distinct layers of the skin

Epidermis (Made up of stratified squamous epithelium)

Demis (Made up of connective tissues, smooth muscle tissue, nervous tissue and blood)

Types of epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium: Many cell layers which makes the tissue relatively thick

Cells divide in the deeper layers and new cells push older ones farther outward where they flatten

Epidermis (superficial layer of skin)

Functions of the skin

Protection and touch

• Protective barrier against microorganisms

• Sense of touch arises from the nerves within the skin

  Temperature regulation

• Key role for homeostatic mechanism which regulates body temperature

• Synthesis of vitamin D

Wound healing

• Depends on the nature and extent of the injury excretion and absorption

Structure of nails

Purpose is to protect coverings

Structure of hair follicles

Each hair develops from a group of stem cells at the base of a hair follicle

Hair follicle contains a hair root which can extend into the subcutaneous layer

The hair will stand up due to cold temperatures6

Exocrine glands

Secretes substances into ducts and onto the surface (sweat, saliva, mucus and milk)

Examples of exocrine glands

Sweat glands-Sudoriferous glands

Oil glands-Sebaceous glands

Exocrine VS endocrine glands

Both are made up of epithelial tissue

Exocrine glands secrete substances into the interstitial fluid and bloodstream (hormones)

Exocrine glands secretes substances into the ducts and onto the surface (sweat, saliva, mucus and milk)