structures of the integunmentary system

Skin

Organ covering the body; made up of layers (cutaneous membrane)

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin, protects the body from external environment

Keratin

Scleroprotein component of the horn like, or cornified, layer of the epidermis, also a primary component of the hair and nails

Melanin

Dark pigment produced by melanocytes, amount present determines skin colour

Hair

Compressed keratinized cells that arise from hair follicles, the sacs that enclose the hair fibers

Nails

Hornlike played made from flattened epithelial cells; found found on the dorsal surface on the ends of the fingers and toes

Sebaceous glands

Secret sebum (oil) into the hair follicles where the hair shafts pass through the dermis

Sudoriferous glands

Tiny, coiled, tubular structures that emerge through pores on the skins surface and secret sweat (sweat glands)

Dermis

Inner layer of skin; responsible for its flexibility and mechanical strength

Hypodermis

Layer between the dermis and the underlying tissues and organs; contains adipose tissue (fat), connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels (also called subcutaneous layer)