The 

integumentary systemTrusted Source refers to the

skin and its associated structures, including the
following:

 hair
 nails
 glands

As the largest organTrusted Source in the human body,

the skin has multiple functions. These include:

 Protection: The skin and hair provide a barrier

against harmful substances, ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the sun, and temperature extremes.
 Sensation: The skin contains nerve endings that
detect touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold.
 Temperature regulation: The skin can sweat and
widen blood vessels to regulate body temperature.
 Waste excretion: The skin eliminates some wastes
through sweat.
 Vitamin D production: When exposed to UV light
from the sun, the skin produces vitamin D, which is
important for bone health.

Skin
The skin is the body’s largest and heaviest organ. It
covers the entire surface of the body and has multiple
layers, each with different functions. It comprises three
main layers:

 The epidermis: This is the outermost layer of the

skin. It is thin and constantly shedding dead skin
cells.
 The dermis: This is the middle layer of the skin. It
contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and
sweat glands.
 The subcutaneous layer: This is the deepest layer
of the skin. It comprises fat and connective tissue
that attaches the skin to the underlying muscles. It
insulates and cushions.

Its purpose is to protect the body from infection and

injury, regulate body temperature, and eliminate waste.
The skin is the first line of defense against infections
from pathogens as it is a physical barrier and contains
elements of the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Glands
Glands are functional units of cellsTrusted Source that
work in unison to release a substance, such as oil or
sweat.

There are two types of glands in the body. Endocrine

glands do not have a duct system and instead release
their products directly into the bloodstream. In contrast,
the skin houses various exocrine glands that have ducts
to allow them to secrete substances to the epithelial
surface.

These exocrine glands includeTrusted Source:

 Eccrine sweat glands: These simple, coiled, tube-

like glands reside throughout the body. The sweat
they produce is clear and has little to no oil or odor.
Its purpose is to cool the body and remove waste
by secreting water.
 Apocrine sweat glands: These glands produce
odorous perspiration. They are large, branched
glands that typically appear in the armpits and
genital area. They are not significantly involved in
cooling.
 Ciliary glands: These are modified apocrine sweat
glands located in the eyelids. Their purpose is to
lubricate the eye and keep it clean.
  Sebaceous glands: These secrete an oily substance
called sebum that moisturizes and protects the
skin.
 Ceruminous glands: These glands of the ear canal
produce ear wax and are also modified apocrine
glands. Ear wax is a sticky substance that protects
the ear from water and foreign bodies. They
 Mammary glands: There are two mammary glands
on the front chest wall. In people assigned female
at birth, the glands produce milk to feed babies.

Hair

Hairs are slender, thread-like structures that extend from

the epidermis. They are composed of a protein called
keratin and are usually pigmented, which gives them
their color.

All areas of the body have hair, except for the palms of
the hands and soles of the feet. Hairs protect against UV
radiation, injuries, and extreme temperatures. They also
play a role in sensation as they contain nerve endings that
can detect touch, pressure, and temperature.

Nails
Nails are hard, protective structures covering the upper
surface of the fingertips and toes. They are composed of
a protein called keratin and grow from the base of the
nail bed.

Nails protect the tips of the fingers and toes from injury
and support fine motor tasks such as picking up small
objects.

How does the

integumentary system
work together?
The skin, hair, nails, and glands work harmoniously to
protect the body from harm and maintain homeostasis.
The integumentary system works with the following
bodily systems:

 Immune system: Acts as a physical barrier to

disease-causing germs and houses immune
cellsTrusted Source.
 Digestive system: The skin provides the digestive
system with vitamin D. This vitamin helps the body
 absorb calcium which is needed for bone
maintenance and muscle contractions.
 Cardiovascular system: The skin’s blood vessels can
constrict or dilate to conserve or release heat.
 Nervous system: The skin transmits information
from sensations through nerve receptors to the
brain. These include the perception of pain, heat,
cold, and others.
 Respiratory system: The tiny hairs lining the nasal
passages remove harmful particles before the lungs
inhale them.
 Urinary system: The skin excretes waste products
which helps the kidneys maintain the body’s
electrolyte and pH balance.