The integumentary system is made up of organs and structures that protect the inside of the body from environmental elements. The 5 parts of the integumentary system include:
- Skin
- Hair
- Nails
- Glands
- Nerves
Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body, functioning as a protective barrier for the entire body. It is made up of three layers:
- Epidermis: Outer layer of the skin that is a strong protective covering.
- Dermis: Located under the epidermis and contains most structures of the skin (such as various types of glands and hair follicles).
- Hypodermis: Fatty layer of the skin that forms the subcutaneous tissue.
Hair
Hair not only enhances appearance but also helps:
- Protect the skin
- Regulate body temperature
- Produce sweat
Nails
The functions of the nails are to protect the fingers and toes from injury and to hope with touch.
Glands
There are three types of glands in the human skin:
- Eccrine glands are distributed throughout the body, and their function is to regulate body temperature through the secretion of fluids.
- Apocrine glands are found in the axilla and pubic area.
- Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which prevents fluid loss and protects the skin from damaging microorganisms.
9 functions of the integumentary system
- Protection against injury: Keratin in the skin offers protection from injuries, such as cuts and abrasions.
- Protection against shock: The fats in the skin protect against shock received from blunt force.
- Protection against infection: A set pH level maintained by the skin creates an environment that prevents microorganisms from penetrating and causing infection.
- Protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays: The skin produces melanin (pigment that darkens the skin) in response to the UV rays, which are known to cause cancer. Melanin in darkened skin further protects the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.
- Maintenance of body temperature: The hypothalamus in the brain sends a signal to the skin to increase or decrease body temperature according to the changes in the atmospheric temperature.
- Absorption: The skin acts as a medium that delivers certain medications to the body. These medications include:
- Hormones
- Glyceryl trinitrate (medication to treat angina)
- Topical preparations and creams
- Secretion: The body excretes substances through the skin, such as:
- Small amounts of carbon dioxide
- Sweat
- Waste products (such as excess sodium chloride and urea)
- Vitamin D synthesis: The skin is one of the two ways through which the body obtains its vitamin D supply. Upon exposure to the UV rays, 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin gets converted to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Cholecalciferol changes in the liver and kidneys, where it is converted to 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol) and leads to increased calcium absorption in the gut. These processes are crucial for bone health.
- Sensation: Sensory nerve endings in the skin help you distinguish between sensations of pain, temperature, touch, and vibration.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowReferences
Image Source: iStock Images
Kim JY, Dao H. Physiology, Integument. [Updated 2021 May 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554386/
Zouboulis CC. Skin Glands: Sebaceous, Eccrine, and Apocrine Glands. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS. eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, 9e. McGraw Hill; 2019. Accessed January 11, 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2570§ionid=210415495
Kim JY, Dao H. Physiology, Integument. [Updated 2021 May 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554386/
Zouboulis CC. Skin Glands: Sebaceous, Eccrine, and Apocrine Glands. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS. eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, 9e. McGraw Hill; 2019. Accessed January 11, 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2570§ionid=210415495
Top What Are the 5 Parts of the Integumentary System Related Articles
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Your Hair & Your Health
Is your hair or scalp trying to tell you something about your health? Learn more about dandruff, scalp psoriasis, ringworm on the scalp, folliculitis, scalp pimples, and medications and conditions that affect your hair and body.
Nail Disorders: What Nails Say About Your Health
Nail disorders and diseases may be a sign of problems in the body. Nails can be spoon-shaped, blue, or have white lines. Some nail disorders may indicate diseases ranging from psoriasis to squamous cell carcinoma.
The Skin (Human Anatomy)
The skin is the largest organ in the body that covers the entire external surface. It protects the internal organs from germs and thus helps prevent infections. The skin is made up of three main layers.
Foods for Healthy Hair
Top foods for healthy hair include salmon, green vegetables, beans, nuts, poultry, eggs, whole grains, oysters, low-fat dairy products, and carrots. Foods for healthy hair supply protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals.
Skin Picture
The skin is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of about 20 square feet. See a picture of the Skin and learn more about the health topic.
The Skin: 7 Most Important Layers and Functions
The skin is the largest organ in the body and it covers the body's entire external surface. It is made up of seven layers. The first five layers form the epidermis, which is the outermost, thick layer of the skin. The hypodermis is the deepest layer of skin situated below the dermis.
Skin & Your Health
Skin problems are often the first signs of serious underlying health problems. Diabetes, lupus, hepatitis C and lung cancer are all illnesses that can relate to various skin disorders.
Why Has My Hair Suddenly Changed Texture?
Many different things can change the texture of your hair. It can be your age or any health conditions like menopause, and cancer that you can start noticing some changes in your hair.