Integumentary System

- The integumentary system comprises the skin and its appendages acting to protect the
body from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from outside.
- includes hair, scales, feathers, hooves, and nails.

The Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body. In humans, it accounts for about 12 to 15 percent of
total body weight and covers 1.5-2m squared of surface area.
The human skin (integument) is composed of at least two major layers of tissue: the epidermis
and dermis. (The hypodermis or subcutaneous layer is not part of the skin

Epidermis
a thin outer portion, that is the keratinised stratified squamous epithelium of skin. The
epidermis is only about a tenth of a millimeter thick but is made of 40 to 50 rows of stacked
squamous epithelial cells.
The cells of the epidermis receive all of their nutrients via diffusion of fluids from the dermis.
Its main functions are protection, absorption of nutrients, and homeostasis. In structure, it
consists of a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium comprising four types of cells:
keratinocytes, melanocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans' cells. The major cell of the epidermis
is the keratinocyte, which produces keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that aids in protection.
Layers of the Epidermis
• Stratum Corneum - This layer is composed of the many dead skin cells that you shed
into the environment. This layer helps to repel water.
• Stratum Lucidum - This layer is found only on the palms of the hands, fingertips, and the
soles of the feet.
• Stratum Granulosum - This is the layer where part of keratin production occurs. Keratin
is a protein that is the main component of skin.
• Stratum Spinosum - This layer gives the skin strength as well as flexibility.
• Stratum Basale - This is where the skin’s most important cells, called keratinocytes, are
formed before moving up to the surface of the epidermis and being shed into the
environment as dead skin cells.
Dermis
The dermis is mostly made of dense irregular connective tissue along with nervous tissue,
blood, and blood vessels. The dermis is much thicker than the epidermis and gives the skin its
strength and elasticity.
Layers of the Dermis
• Papillary Layer - provides the layer above it, the epidermis, with nutrients to produce
skin cells called keratinocytes. It also helps regulate the temperature of our skin and
thus the body as a whole.
• Reticular Layer - serves to strengthen the skin and also provides our skin with elasticity.
Elasticity refers to how our skin is able to spring back into shape if deformed by
something like a pinch. The reticular layer also contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and
sebaceous glands.

Hypodermis
otherwise known as the subcutaneous layer, is a layer beneath the skin. It is essentially
composed of a type of cell known as adipocytes specialized in accumulating and storing fats.
acts as an energy reserve.
It mainly contains adipose tissue and sweat glands. The adipose tissue has metabolic functions:
it is responsible for production of vitamin D, and triglycerides.

Physiology of the Integumentary System

• Protect the body’s internal living tissues and organs
• Protect against invasion by infectious organisms
• Protect the body from dehydration
• Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis
• Help excrete waste materials through perspiration
• Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory system)
• Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin
• Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light
• Store water, fat, glucose, vitamin D
• Maintenance of the body form
 • Formation of new cells from stratum germanium to repair minor injuries
• Protect from UV rays.
• Regulates body temperature

Skin Conditions
• Acne: The most common skin condition, acne affects over 85% of people at some time
in life.
• Eczema: Skin inflammation (dermatitis) causing an itchy rash. Most often, it’s due to an
overactive immune system.
• Shingles (herpes zoster): Caused by the chickenpox virus, shingles is a painful rash on
one side of the body. A new adult vaccine can prevent shingles in most people.
• Hives: Raised, red, itchy patches on the skin that arise suddenly. Hives usually result
from an allergic reaction.
• Sunburn
• Dermatitis: A general term for inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis (a type of
eczema) is the most common form.
• Rash: Nearly any change in the skin’s appearance can be called a rash. Most rashes are
from simple skin irritation; others result from medical conditions.
• Rosacea: A chronic skin condition causing a red rash on the face. Rosacea may look like
acne, and is poorly understood.
• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is less
dangerous than melanoma because it grows and spreads more slowly.
• Dandruff: A scaly condition of the scalp may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis,
psoriasis, or eczema.

Skin Treatments
• Corticosteroids (steroids): Medicines that reduce immune system activity may improve
dermatitis. Topical steroids are most often used.
• Antibiotics: Medicines that can kill the bacteria causing cellulitis and other skin
infections.
• Antiviral drugs: Medicines can suppress the activity of the herpes virus, reducing
symptoms.
 • Antifungal drugs: Topical creams can cure most fungal skin infections. Occasionally, oral
medicines may be needed.
• Antihistamines: Oral or topical medicines can block histamine, a substance that causes
itching.
• Skin surgery: Most skin cancers must be removed by surgery.
• Immune modulators: Various drugs can modify the activity of the immune system,
improving psoriasis or other forms of dermatitis.
• Skin moisturizers (emollients): Dry skin is more likely to become irritated and itchy.
Moisturizers can reduce symptoms of many skin conditions.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integumentary_system

https://www.quora.com/How-many-skin-layers-are-there-and-which-is-the-thickest

http://www.innerbody.com/anatomy/integumentary-male

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/the-skin/

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin#1

http://www.skininstituteofny.com/services/medical-dermatology/top-10-most-commonly-diagnosed-
conditions/