Integumentary System
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The integumentary system consists of the skin and accessory structures, such as hair, nails, sudorifenous gland (sweat gland) and sebaceous gland (oil gland). Integument means covering, and the integumentary system is familiar to most people because it covers the outside of the body and is easily observed.
FUNCTIONS OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
1. Protection
The skin provides protection against abrasion and ultraviolet light.
It prevents the entry of microorganisms and dehydration by reducing water loss from the body.
2. Sensation
The integumentary system has sensory receptors that can detect heat, cold, touch, pressure and pain.
3. Vitamin D production
Ultraviolet light stimulates the production of precursor molecule in the skin that is modified by the liver and kidneys into vitamin D.
Vitamin D increases calcium uptake in the intestines.
4. Temperature regulation
Through dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the skin controls heat loss from the body.
Evaporation of sweat cools the body.
5. Excretion
Small amounts of waste products are lost through skin and in gland secretions.
TYPES OF MEMBRANES
1. Serous Membrane lines the sealed, internal cavities of the body. There are three such membranes with each consisting of a simple epithelium supported by loose connective tissue: the pleura lines the pleural cavities and covers the lungs the peritoneum lines the peritoneal cavity and covers the surfaces of enclosed organs such as the liver and stomach the pericardium lines the pericardial cavity and covers the heart.
2. Mucous Membrane is a membrane lining bodily cavities and canals that lead to the outside, chiefly the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts. Mucous membranes line many tracts and structures of the body, including the mouth, nose, eyelids, windpipe and lungs, stomach and intestines, and the ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder.
3. Synovial Membrane produce synovial fluid which helps
The integumentary system consists of the skin and accessory structures, such as hair, nails, sudorifenous gland (sweat gland) and sebaceous gland (oil gland). Integument means covering, and the integumentary system is familiar to most people because it covers the outside of the body and is easily observed.
FUNCTIONS OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
1. Protection
The skin provides protection against abrasion and ultraviolet light.
It prevents the entry of microorganisms and dehydration by reducing water loss from the body.
2. Sensation
The integumentary system has sensory receptors that can detect heat, cold, touch, pressure and pain.
3. Vitamin D production
Ultraviolet light stimulates the production of precursor molecule in the skin that is modified by the liver and kidneys into vitamin D.
Vitamin D increases calcium uptake in the intestines.
4. Temperature regulation
Through dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the skin controls heat loss from the body.
Evaporation of sweat cools the body.
5. Excretion
Small amounts of waste products are lost through skin and in gland secretions.
TYPES OF MEMBRANES
1. Serous Membrane lines the sealed, internal cavities of the body. There are three such membranes with each consisting of a simple epithelium supported by loose connective tissue: the pleura lines the pleural cavities and covers the lungs the peritoneum lines the peritoneal cavity and covers the surfaces of enclosed organs such as the liver and stomach the pericardium lines the pericardial cavity and covers the heart.
2. Mucous Membrane is a membrane lining bodily cavities and canals that lead to the outside, chiefly the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts. Mucous membranes line many tracts and structures of the body, including the mouth, nose, eyelids, windpipe and lungs, stomach and intestines, and the ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder.
3. Synovial Membrane produce synovial fluid which helps