THE
INTEGUMENTARY
SYSTEM
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
Integument – external covering of an animal
Functions:
Protection
Regulation of body temperature
Reception of envt’l stimuli (pain, temp,
pressure)
First line of defense against microorganisms &
toxic substances
Excretion of waste materials
Movement of gases (for some animals)
Locomotion ( for some animals)
Variations in Invertebrates
A. Single-celled Protozoa
- Plasma membrane as external covering
- Eg. Paramecium, Euglena
pellicle –thick protein coat
B. Multicellular Invertebrates
1. Epidermis – in most multicellular invertebrate, outer
layer
- single layer of columnar epithelial cells
Hydra – few cell layers thick
Nematodes & Annelids – one-cell thick which
secretes multilayered cuticle
Variations in Invertebrates
Some possess (specialization)
a) cuticle –waxy substance in epidermis of rotifers,
crustaceans, arachnids, insects, nematodes & annelids
b) shell - CaCO3 in cnidarians (eg. corals) &
Echinoderms ( starfish, sea urchins)
c) Cilia – in echinoderms, ciliated epidermis & dermis
containing CaCO3
d) Tegument – in parasitic flatworms
- for nutrient absorption & protection
against digestion by host enzymes
Arthropods- most complex of invertebrates bec.
Integument is a specialized exoskeleton
Variations in Invertebrates
Pellicle of Paramecium Epidermis of Hydra Shell of a coral
Multilayered cuticle of Nematodes & Annelids Tegument of flatworm
Variations in Invertebrates
Ciliated epidermis of Echinoderms
Chitinous exoskeletons of Arthropods
Vertebrates Integument: SKIN
SKIN – largest organ (with respect to
surface area)
2 Main Layers:
1. Epidermis - outermost layer of
epithelial tissue
- one to several cells thick
2. Dermis - thicker layer of connective
tissue beneath the epidermis
Variations In Vertebrates
Jawless Fishes (Lampreys & Hagfishes)
- thick skin due to multilayered epidermis w/
glandular cells & fat storage cells in the hypodermis
Cartilaginous Fishes ( Shark)
- multilayered & contains bone in the form of
denticles (teeth)
Bony Fishes ( Teleosts)
- contains scales shark
Amphibians
- stratified & contains mucous & several glands plus
pigmentation mucous & poison glands
-Sensory nerves in epidermis
- warts in toads are special sensory structures (w/
sensory cells)
Variations In
Vertebrates
Reptiles
- thick epidermis & keratinized scales
- absence of integumentary glands
dry skin
Birds
- soft & thin epidermis w/ no epidermal glands
- contains feathers
Mammals
- consists of several layers
1. epidermis - stratified squamous epithelium
2. dermis - underneath epidermis
THE HUMAN SKIN
Structures of the Skin
1. Epidermis – thin outermost layer
Keratin –tough material (coiled protein) that waterproofs
the skin & provides strength & flexibility to skin
Melanin – produced by melanocytes (in human); pigment
responsible for skin color & protection from UV
* in frog, chromatophores are found (for skin
pigmentation)
Layers:
1. Stratum corneum – the uppermost thin layer of flat
dead cells; constantly shed off
2. Stratum germinativum – thick inner layer of stratified
squamous epithelium; actively dividing
Characteristics of Epidermal Cells
They mature as they move toward the
skin surface and produce keratin
They die as they move through the
stratum corneum
They wear off and must be replaced when
they reach the outer surface of the skin
Structures of the Skin
2. Dermis – located beneath the epidermis; thicker
than epidermis
- composed of a dense/fibrous connective
tissue made up of collagen w/c imparts strength
& flexibility
Layers:
1. Stratum spongiosum – loose connective
tissue w/ blood vessels, nerves, cutaneous glands
2. Stratum compactum – thick lower layer of
collagenous fibers; also contains blood vessels &
nerves
The Skin & Its Derivatives
The Skin & Its Derivatives
1. Hairs – derived from the epidermis
Surrounded by nerve fibers important to the sense of
touch
Hair muscles run diagonally from the upper portion of
the dermis to hair follicle near its lower end ( when
this contracts, it pulls the hair erect)
2. Nails – made of keratin
3. Sweat/Sudoriferous glands – in the deeper
layer of dermis; for sweating (cooling)
4. Oil/ Sebaceous glands – secretes sebum (oily
substance that lubricates & softens)
5. Sensory receptors – receive information from
the environment
The Skin & Its Derivatives
Some specialized touch receptors
located in the skin:
Meissner’s corpuscles – sensitive to light
touch
Merkel’s discs – permit us to know that
an object continues to touch the skin
Ruffini’s end-organs – adapt very slowly,
inform us of heavy & continuous touch &
pressure
Pacinian corpuscles – especially sensitive
to the deep pressure that causes rapid
movement of the tissues
Sensory Receptors of the Skin
Hypodermis/Subcutaneous Layer
Not considered part of the skin itself
A layer of very loosely connective tissue
Abundant in fat cells/adipose
Binds the skin to the body
