Skin Intro.

The Integumentary System: An Overview

The integumentary system comprises:

• Skin

• Appendages: Structures related to the skin.

  • Nails

  • Hair

  • Glands (sweat glands, etc.)

The skin is the largest organ in the body, weighing around 21 pounds. It plays several critical roles:

🚫 Impermeability

The skin acts as a barrier, preventing water, viruses, and other harmful substances from entering the body.

🦠 Immunologic Function

The skin actively participates in the immune response:

• Secretes antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

• Produces enzymes like lysozymes to break down bacterial cell walls.

• Contains Langerhans cells that engulf bacteria, preventing infections.

🌡 Sensation

The skin enables us to perceive our environment:

• Detects pain.

• Registers temperature (hot or cold).

• Differentiates types of touch and textures.

🌡 Thermoregulation

The skin helps regulate body temperature:

• Sweating: Cools the body through evaporative cooling.

• Blood vessels: Conduct heat away from the body.