III.

Components of the Integumentary System

• Identify and discuss components of the integumentary system.
The integumentary system is composed not only of the skin, but also nails,
glands, and hair. The most numerous components of the integumentary
system is the integument or skin. The skin contains the superficial epidermis,
which consists of epithelial tissue, and the deeper dermis which is formed
from dense irregular connective tissue. The epidermis contains nerve endings
for pain, which is why Sofia felt the pain of the burn. The epidermis is
avascular, which means it doesn’t have blood capillaries. Nutrients get to the
epidermis from the vascular dermal layer. Only those cells closest to the
dermis are able to receive the nutrients and these cells have rapid mitotic
rates. The cells in the epidermis migrate to the surface, and then are shed
daily. They are constantly being replaced by the cells deeper. The dermis
contains the blood vessels, sweat and oil glands. The dermis also has receptors
for touch. Below the dermis is the hypodermis layer. This is the fatty layer that
anchors the skin to your body. The hypodermis is technically not part of the
integumentary system.

The skin also contain sweat and oil (sebaceous) glands. Sweat glands release
sensible perspiration to cool us when we overheat. Sweat is mostly water but
also contains electrolytes and a waste product known as urea. Urea is one of
the main components of urine too! Sebaceous glands produce oil, otherwise
known as sebum. Sebum and sweat form a chemical barrier on our skin to
decrease bacterial growth on our skin.

Hair and nails are additional structures associated with the

integumentary system. Body hair takes up space to compete with pathogens
for room on our skin. Body hair also insulates us. Did you know that there
are approximately 100,000 hairs on your head and 30,000 in a man’s
beard? Fingernails and toenails provide leverage and protection when we
grab and manipulate objects.

The epidermis contains the pigment melanin, which protects our cells from
UV radiation. Melanin is also responsible for our hair, skin and eye color.
Keratin was previously mentioned and is important for decreasing water loss
from our skin. Many skin lotions contain keratin to prevent dry skin. Another
important protein is collagen. Collagen provides strength to our skin. Collagen
has a white
appearance and often when the skin heals extra collagen is placed at the site.
Sometimes this results in a white scar.

When you study the integumentary system, you will learn about the chemical
and cellular components which work together to maintain the integrity of the
system. As consumers, we spend a lot of money on products meant to make
our skin and hair look better, younger, and healthier. As you read through this
topic, think about whether those products really can make a difference or if
they are just the result of well-played marketing campaigns!

Let us check it out!

1. The dermis layer is the most superficial layer of the skin.
a. True
b. False
2. Which of the following is not a part of the integumentary system?
a. Hair
b. Sebaceous Gland
c. Dermis
d. Hypodermis
3. Which of the following functions to prevent water loss from the skin?
a. Keratin
b. Collagen
c. Melanin
d. Vitamin D
4. Collagen lends to the skin.
a. elasticity
b. structure
c. color
d. UV protection
5. The uppermost layer of skin is:
a. called the dermis
b. full of keratin
c. fed by a good supply of blood vessels
d. called the hypodermis
e. composed of dense connective tissue
Gross Anatomy of the Skin

LO: Describe the Main function of each layer of the integumentary system

The skin is made up of two mutually dependent layers that are distinguished based on their
structure and location. These layers – the epidermis and the dermis – contain a variety of
structures, including blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Beneath the dermis lies the
hypodermis (subcutis). It is composed mainly of fatty tissue.

The most superficial layer, the epidermis, is composed of stratified squamous epithelia that are
keratinized at the outermost surface, melanocytes, immune cells (Langerhans that modulate
immune response) and sensory receptors (Merkel cells that detect light touch). The function of
the epidermis layer is "protection." The keratinocytes and immune cells help protect the skin.
The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and is composed of two layers of connective tissue: a
loose layer (papillary) and a dense irregular layer (reticular). Both layers of the dermis contain
connective tissue components (collagen, elastin, fibroblasts), plus blood vessels, sensory
receptors and lymphatics. The dermis is a "functional" layer. The dermis is connective tissue that
can stretch and retract because of the strong and elastic extracellular matrix. The dermis also
contains nerves.

Beneath these two layers lies the hypodermis, composed of loose connective tissue (adipose and
areolar). The hypodermis is the "connection" layer. It connects the integument (epidermis and
dermis) to organs and muscles in the body. This layer contains adipose tissue and connective
tissue as well as blood vessels, nerves and immune cells this layer is generally thicker in women.

To widen your knowledge of the structure of the skin; read Marieb 12th edition
Note! The hypodermis is an ideal site for subcutaneous drug injection (done with hypodermic
needle) because it has numerous blood vessels and can absorb the drug easily.

1. Which direction is the epidermis from the rest of the body?

a. Dorsal
b. Deep
c. Ventral
d. superficial
2. Which of the following terms is properly matched to its function?
a. Epidermis – the functional layer
b. Dermis – the protection layer
c. Hypodermis the connection layer
d. None of the above
3. Sebaceous glands .
a. are a type of sweat gland
b. are associated with hair follicles
c. may function in response to touch
d. release a watery solution of salt and metabolic waste