The skin can also be subjected to genetic disorders like psoriasis or albinism. The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin that covers almost the entire body surface. This stage in keratinocyte maturation is characterized by the formation of the lipid barrier of the body. Apocrine sweat glands are found in mainly in the axillary and pubic regions of the body. Check all the main layers of the skin. Sebum acts to waterproof and increase the elasticity of the skin. Sebaceous glands produce sebum – an oily, waxy secretion containing many lipids. Integumentary System (Male Posterior View). It also contains specialized cells that secrete melanin to protect the body from the carcinogenic effects of UV rays and cells that have an immune function. Now please check your email to confirm your subscription. Tags: Topics: Question 14 . Dead keratinocytes moving into the stratum lucidum and stratum corneum are very flat, hard, and tightly packed so as to form a keratin barrier to protect the underlying tissues. It has a variety of additional functions; it may serve to waterproof, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate body temperature, … When the medulla is absent, the cortex continues through the middle of the hair. Merkel cells form a disk along the deepest edge of the epidermis where they connect to nerve endings in the dermis to sense light touch. Integumentary System. While most water soluble waste products are removed in the urine, sweat also contributes towards clearing some of the metabolic byproducts of the body. The evaporation of sweat absorbs heat and cools the body’s surface. The skin is, f… The integumentary system refers to the skin and its accessory structures, and it is responsible for much more than simply lending to your outward appearance. The stratum basale and stratum spinosum layers of the epidermis contain a sterol molecule known as 7-dehydrocholesterol. These companies also offer powerful skin-care products that fight acne. The integumentary system is an organ system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The integumentary system is the body system which surrounds you, both literally and metaphorically speaking. The integumentary system protects against many threats such as infection, desiccation, abrasion, chemical assault, and radiation damage. The most important function of the integumentary system is protection. Biologydictionary.net Editors. Diseases of the integumentary system can arise from pathogenic infections, injury due to radiation, chemicals or from genetic disorders. The skin is a sensory organ, too, with receptors for detecting heat and cold, touch, pressure, and pain. You must consult your own medical professional. What is the MAIN function of the integumentary system? The deepest region of the epidermis is the stratum basale, which contains the stem cells that reproduce to form all of the other cells of the epidermis. This organ is actually the skin. The integumentary system is the set of organs that forms the external covering of the body and protects it from many threats such as infection, desiccation, abrasion, chemical assault and radiation damage. In fact, the skin and accessory structures are the largest organ system in the human body. The parts of the integumentary system are the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis), hair, nails and glands. Thank you for subscribing! Keratin makes the keratinocytes very tough, scaly and water-resistant. Hemoglobin is another pigment most noticeable in people with little melanin. Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Lymphatic System Male Reproductive System … The ducts of apocrine sweat glands extend into the follicles of hairs so that the sweat produced by these glands exits the body along the surface of the hair shaft. Apocrine sweat glands are inactive until puberty, at which point they produce a thick, oily liquid that is consumed by bacteria living on the skin. Minor mechanical damage from rough or sharp objects is mostly absorbed by the skin before it can damage the underlying tissues. The cells of th… The epidermis rests upon and protects the deeper and thicker dermis layer of the skin. The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin that covers almost the entire body surface. At this point the cells are so far removed from the nutrients that diffuse from the blood vessels in the dermis that the cells go through the process of apoptosis. The keratinocytes of the cuticle are stacked on top of each other like shingles so that the outer tip of each cell points away from the body. Integumentary System Definition. Cerumen is made continuously and slowly pushes older cerumen outward toward the exterior of the ear canal where it falls out of the ear or is manually removed. TRY IT FOR FREE TODAY: https://3d4med.com/2CTR3lILearn the basics of the Integumentary System. Sebum also forms a part of ear wax. As such, the skin protects your inner organs and it is … In hot, dry environments, water is first lost from this layer. answer choices . The spindle-shaped and tightly packed cortex cells contain pigments that give the hair its color. This is particularly true during puberty, when the pores and glands of the skin can get clogged, leading to bacterial growth and infection. The epidermis is an avascular region of the body, meaning that it does not contain any blood or blood vessels. The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, and nails. Keratinocytes begin their life as offspring of the stem cells of the stratum basale. The integumentary system is the organ system that consists of the skin and the various accessory structures such as hair, nails, and exocrine glands. There are 3 main parts of a nail: the root, body, and free edge. Stem cells in the follicle reproduce to form the keratinocytes that eventually form the hair while melanocytes produce pigment that gives the hair its color. Source for information on The Integumentary System: UXL Complete Health Resource dictionary. The skin consists of two layers – the dermis and the epidermis. The hypodermis serves as the flexible connection between the skin and the underlying muscles and bones as well as a fat storage area. The alcohol in the blood is absorbed by the cells of the sweat glands, causing it to be excreted along with the other components of sweat. Sweat glands that excrete wastes and regulate body temperature are also part of the integumentary system. It is the most visible organ system and one of the most complex. Hemoglobin is the red pigment found in red blood cells, but can be seen through the layers of the skin as a light red or pink color. One of the most common viral infections is herpes. The proximal end of the nail near the root forms a whitish crescent shape known as the lunula where a small amount of nail matrix is visible through the nail body. Fatty adipose tissue in the hypodermis stores energy in the form of triglycerides. Alcohol causes vasodilation in the dermis, leading to increased perspiration as more blood reaches sweat glands. Please try again. The dermis also plays host to sweat glands. The reticular layer also contains blood vessels to support the skin cells and nerve tissue to sense pressure and pain in the skin. 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