Integumentary System

Structure:
There are three main parts in the skin integumentary system: Epidermis, dermis, and
hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, which produces a waterproof
barrier and has a variety of colors. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and has its own blood
supply, as well as nerves and sweat glands, which collect water and waste products from the
bloodstream then excrete them out through pores in the epidermis. Beneath the dermis lies the
fatty hypodermis, which connects the skin to underlying bones and muscles.

Functions of Integumentary System:

Protection: it protects against abrasion and UV damage, prevents microbes from entering
the body and prevents dehydration.
Feelings: it can feel cold, heat, touch, pressure, and pain etc.
Temperature adjustment: body temperature is regulated by controlling blood flow from
heart to the skin and sweat glands.
Produce Vitamin D: under the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, the skin can produce a
precursor substance that can be converted into Vitamin D.
Excretion: a part of the residue left after metabolism can be excreted from the body
through this system.

Interaction with other systems:

This system helps other systems to maintain their functions.
Immune system: Integumentary system forms a barrier to prevent disease-causing germs
and bacteria.
 Digestive system: It creates Vitamin D for the digestive system and helps it to digest
more effectively.
Cardiovascular system: The capillaries in the skin open up when the body needs to cool
off. It will close when the body needs to maintain heat. The two systems interact by regulating
temperature in the body.
Nervous system: They interact by transforming the sensations received by the skin
through nerve receptors to the brain.

Organs:
The integumentary system comprises the biggest organ in the human body, the skin. It
also includes other organs, hair, nails, and glands.
Skin: Skin is usually about 2-3 mm (0.1 in) thick, and it accounts for about 20 percent of an
adult's body weight. The skin protects delicate organs inside the body and provides a physical barrier to
regulate body temperature, keep out foreign bodies and retain moisture.
Nails: Nails are flat plates on the tips of the fingers and toes. The hard surface of the nails helps
protect the tips of the fingers and toes and it makes hands easier to scratch or stretch.
Hair: Hair is a protein filament that serves as a protector for the skin. It can also enhance sensory
function and help regulate body temperature.
Glands: glands can be found in the neck, underarm, chest, abdomen, and groin. It produces
hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, and milk. The types of glands in the integumentary
system are sudoriferous, sebaceous, ceruminous, and mammary glands.

Analogy:

The integumentary system is similar to the armor of soldiers/knights. The

use of armor is to protect the knights from outside damage and attacks. It
works the same as integumentary system, which can prevent invading
germs and bacteria from entering our body and block strong violet-light.

Diseases happen in integumentary system:

Skin Cancer – It is caused by abnormal cells which develop during the cells dividing
process. The formation of cancerous lesions is due to the overexposure to Ultra-violet radiation
because it damages the DNA of the cells and affects the cell during cells division.

Skin Disorder:
Most common types are eczema and acne.
Eczema is an allergic reaction. Eczema presents as dry, itchy patches of skin. Under more
serious conditions, flaking, bleeding, and swelling of the skin might happen.
Acne - Acene forms because of the over-productive sebaceous glands. Acne shows as the
black-heads and inflammation of the skin (Swollen, red, oily lumps around the hair shaft).

Weaknesses:
Injuries:
Wound: caused by physical blows and impacts. The consequences of being wounded are
bleeding, bruising, or swelling.
Burns: caused by intense heat, electricity, chemical reaction, or radiation. The damage
will affect the cells and massive amount of cells will die, followed by dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure.

Redesign:
Since many diseases and major weaknesses are affected by outside damage and UV
lights, the epidermis should be thicker, so it can pretend harder cuts and stronger UV radiation.
By making the epidermis thicker, it can reduce the incidence of disease, reduce the vulnerability
of the system, and thus better protect the animals.

Citation in APA Format

University, R., & OpenStaxCollege. (2013, March 6). Diseases, disorders, and injuries of the
integumentary system. Anatomy Physiology. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from
https://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/diseases-disorders-
and-injuries-of-the-integumentary-system/

S;, Y. H. A. M. S. (n.d.). Anatomy, skin (integument), epidermis. National Center for

Biotechnology Information. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262154/

Integumentary system: What it is, Function & Organs. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved April
14, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22827-integumentary-system

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Integumentary system: Function, parts, and conditions.

Medical News Today. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/integumentary-system