Integumentary system

Integumentary system is the largest organ system in the human body, consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The main function of this system is to act as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world. It also functions to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature.

Structure

The integumentary system includes the following parts:

• Skin: The skin is the largest organ of the body that covers the entire outer surface of the body. It forms a protective barrier against the environment and is responsible for the sensation of touch, heat, and cold.

• Hair: Hair is found all over the body except on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It helps to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

• Nails: Nails are hard, keratinized structures that protect the tips of the fingers and toes from injury.

• Exocrine glands: These glands produce sweat, oil, and wax to cool, lubricate, and protect the skin.

Functions

The integumentary system has several functions:

• Protection: The skin provides a barrier that prevents harmful substances and microorganisms from entering the body.

• Temperature regulation: The skin helps to regulate body temperature through the process of sweating and the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.

• Sensation: The skin contains numerous nerve endings that respond to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain, providing us with a sense of touch and enabling us to feel.

• Excretion: The skin helps in the excretion of wastes and toxins from the body through sweating.

• Vitamin D synthesis: The skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Diseases and disorders

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the integumentary system, including acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin cancer, and alopecia.

See also

• Dermatology
• Human anatomy

References

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  Diagram of human skin structure

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  Integumentary system

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  Normal epidermis and dermis with intradermal nevus