Skin and Body Essay example

Submitted By tesseriah
Words: 2123
Pages: 9
Open Document
What it does • protection against disease ( it acts as a first defense against disease causing particles, due to the fact most cant get through unopened skin) • sensory response (specialized nerve cells sense and relay info to the brain) • formation of vitamin D (formed by ultraviolet light in fat molecules in your epidermis) • maintaining body temperature ( blood vessels in the skin can help to hold or release heat maintaining a constant temperature) • waste exchange (sweat glands in the skin release waste in the sweat)

Integumentary System Organs

The integumentary system forms a protective barrier between the external environment and the inner tissues. Other than that, the integumentary system organs work together to provide insulation and help in excreting waste from the body. To know more about the same, read on...

Skin which is the largest organ of the body is also the principal organ of the integumentary system. Other than the skin, nails, hair, scales and feathers that are actually extensions of the skin are also sometimes studied as integumentary system organs. All these structures together provide protection to the inner tissues of the body. Other than protection, the organs have other functions as well. Let us know more about them in detail in the following paragraphs.

Integumentary System Functions

Protection: The most important function of the integumentary system is protection. The organs of the integumentary system form a water-proof layer over the body that also works as a physical barrier against microorganisms entering the body and causing integumentary system diseases.

Homeostasis: Environmental conditions outside the body keep changing. However, for the organs of different human body systems to work properly, particular environmental conditions are required. Homeostasis refers to regulating internal environment of the body to maintain stable conditions. This is achieved by the integumentary organs which ensures proper functioning of all the organs of the body.

Sensory Organ: The skin has a large number of nerve openings that help us in perceiving the sense of touch, pressure, pain and changes in temperature.

Excretion: Toxic wastes are excreted by the skin in the form of perspiration.

Organs in the Integumentary System

We already know what organs are in the integumentary system. Now let us concentrate on the structure and function of each organ individually.

Skin: The skin is the main organ of the integumentary system. It is made of two dermal layers. They are: • Epidermis: It is the outermost layer of the skin. It forms the waterproof barrier over the body. • Dermis: It lies below the epidermis. It contains blood vessels, hair follicles and various glands.
Although studied along with the different layers of the skin, hypodermis is actually not a part of the largest organ of the body. In fact it is a subcutaneous layer (layer that lies below the skin) that attaches the skin with the underlying tissues. 50% of the hypodermis is fat which provides padding and insulation for the body. The glands present in the skin are the sweat glands and the sebaceous glands. The sweat glands release sweat which is the primary way of cooling the body.The sebaceous glands on the other hand release sebum - an oily substance that lubricates the skin and the hair.

Hair: One of the defining characters of all mammals, hair is formed from the hair follicles that is found all over the skin. Hair is mainly keratin. Each hair strand can be divided into three layers that lie one inside the other. The innermost layer is the medulla which is made up of loose cells and air spaces. Outside this is second layer - the cortex which is made of densely packed keratin. The outermost layer is the cuticle which is made up of cells overlapping like scales. Hair traps air around the body that acts like an insulating layer. Hair lining the nasal chambers and those that appear
Show More

Related Documents: Skin and Body Essay example

The Skin Essay

Abstract Our skin is often over looked and under appreciated by all of us. Our lives are lived habitually without realizing what an amazing and important role that our skin plays in our everyday routine. It protects, keeps us informed of our surroundings and makes us aware of many dangers present. The sense of touch is our most developed feeling and the predecessor of all of our other senses. But our skin may serve more purposes than those of protection and information. Several experiments have…

Words 970 - Pages 4

The Integumentary System Essay

absorption. All body systems work in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the human body. The Integumentary System contains the largest organ in the human body, the skin. The skin cushions and protects the delicate organs beneath it and it also changes the temperature of the body to maintain stable conditions for proper functioning of the other organs in the body. It also involves the hair and fingernails. I find the skin very important and…

Words 713 - Pages 3

Skin Cancer Research Paper

caring for their skin is about good looks. Unfortunately, the reality is far from the truth. Just like exercising is good for the heart, it's essential for optimal health to take care of the largest organ in the human body: the skin. Skin Care Can Help to Prevent Cancer Not only can the sun cause premature wrinkles and age spots, it is the cause of skin cancer. Skin cancer effects over 67,000 people each year. The best way to prevent skin cancer is by taking good care of the skin. When going outdoors…

Words 475 - Pages 2

The Study Of The Form And Structure Of Biology

responses of living organisms to disease processes. BODY PLANES, DIRECTIONS AND CAVITIES: BODY PLANES: Imaginary lies drawn through the body at various parts to separate the body into sections. -Transverse plane: Is a horizontal plane that divides the body into a top half and bottom half. * Superior- body parts above other parts. * Inferior-body parts below other parts. * Cranial- body parts near the head. * Caudal- body parts located near the sacral region, or tail, of the…

Words 1466 - Pages 6

The Sandmire: The Integumentary System

Integumentary System. The skin is the main organ used in this system and some features of the skin also used are: glands, nails, and hair. The epidermis and dermis are the most important layers of the skin. The epidermis is the most outer layer of the skin, while the dermis layer is closer to the tissue in the inside of the body. Another layer, subcutaneous, acts as a bridge to pull together the skin and the inner tissues. The Integumentary System’s main function is to protect the inner body. This can mean…

Words 1673 - Pages 7

Integumentary System Research Paper

integumentary system is made up of the skin and it appendages (such as the nails and the hair). Its primary function is to protect the body from damage; it also involved in temperature regulation and in the scenes of touch. Upon exposure to sunlight, the integumentary system is also the primary for vitamin D. There are some major organs in the system and some of those major organs are epidermis and it provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone. Another one is dermis which give flexibility…

Words 1028 - Pages 5

The Integumentary System

your body. Its function is to protect the body but it can also malfunction. When they malfunction it can cause acne, dry skin, eczema, cellulitis, sun damage, psoriasis, rashes, and skin cancer to appear on the skin. The epithelial cell is part of the integumentary system. The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, and nails. This is a little bit about the epithelial cell. The epithelial cells are part of the integumentary system. The integumentary system covers the surface of your body. The…

Words 745 - Pages 3

Excess Skin Essay

Excess skin can be very embarrassing. It makes it hard to wear a bathing suit or short sleeves. It can cause people to stare or ask rude questions. In any case, the good news is there are surgical options for addressing that sagging skin. Here are three of the most common options. Arm Lifts Do you have sagging skin under your arm? This hanging skin can make a person very self-conscious and timid to wear short sleeves. It can happen when you firm up the muscles in your arms. The muscles tighten…

Words 424 - Pages 2

Revitol Hair Removal Cream

Most women dream of having smooth and hairless skin all over their body without having to wax or shave. There are several hair removal creams that can help these women fulfil their dream. One of the creams that are used by women to eliminate unwanted hair from their body is Revitol Hair Removal Cream. This cream can be safely used to remove hair from any part of the body. All it requires is a simple application and it removes unwanted body hair instantly. How does Revitol Hair Removal Cream Like…

Words 439 - Pages 2

Tissues to Tattoos Essay

Tissues to Tattoos Heather Shuck 1. There are four types of tissues, including epithelial, connective, muscle, and neural. Each tissue type has a special function in the human body. Epithelial tissues cover internal and external surfaces, line cavities and tubular structures, and serve essential fuctions (Martini & Bartholomew, 2012). Connective tissue provides a protective structural framework for other tissue types. It has three basic components, including specialized cells, extracellular protein…

Words 779 - Pages 4