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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.

Impermeable: Cannot be passed or breached.

🦠 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.