Integumentary system

Functions:

Mechanical protection
Protection against light
Regulation of body temperature
Organ secretion
Aids in Vitamin D formation
Organ of respiration

Structures:

 Epidermis – outer layer of non-vascular squamous epithelium. It is located on the outside,

devoid of blood vessels.
 Dermis – inner layer of connective tissue containing the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic
 Hypodermis – subcutis, permits a layer of fat to be interposed between the skin and deeper
structures. It separates dermis from underlying structures like bone.

Color of the skin

due to the presence of pigment granules (melanocytes)

 Dark color – result from dispersion of melanin granules into the cytoplasmic process of
surrounding tissues of surrounding tissues
 Light color – result of concentration of granules near the nucleus

NOTE: the dispersion of pigment melanin is under the influence of melanocyte stimulating hormone
from the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland.

Photosensitization - the condition wherein the unpigmented areas of the skin become edematous and
may even slough off. Lack of pigment in the iris or in the skin surrounding the eye may cause extreme
sensitivity to light.

Example: Cattle with white skin surrounding the eyes are susceptible to cancer of the eye

Two types of glands in the skin

Sweat gland – has a duct opening at the surface of the skin.

 secretion produced is watery and consist of salts and waste materials in addition to water
 situated in the corium; produced watery secretion which consists of salts and waste materials;
evaporates on the surface of the skin with cooling effect on the animal.

Sebaceous gland - generally associated w/ the hair and opens into the hair follicle

 helps hair pliable and oily.

  oil producing gland, associated with the hair and opens into the air follicles instead of on the
skin; keeps the hair pliable and oily, prevents it from drying out and gives a shiny and glossy
coat when the animal is healthy.

Hair – covers most domestic animal parts.

a. medulla – inner part

b. cortex – a major part of the hair next to the medulla, which give color to the hair

c. cuticle – the outer covering

Feathers

a. flight feathers – large and stout, covers the wings and tails.

b. covert feather – smaller and cover the base of wings and tail and general body surface.

c. Filoplumes – hair feathers

Feather follicle – dip pits in plucked chicken where feathers are attached.

Pterylae – paired areas in the skin with feathers

Apterylae – paired areas in the skin without feathers

Keratinocytes - are specialized epithelial cells that make up most of the epidermis, the outer layer of the
skin. They play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the skin by producing keratin, a
fibrous protein that provides strength and protection. Keratinocytes play a crucial role in the
development and maintenance of hair and nails by producing the protein keratin.

NOTE: "Cornified" refers to the process where skin cells, particularly keratinocytes, undergo
changes to fill with keratin, lose nuclei, and become a tough outer layer that provides protection. This
process, known as cornification, is essential for forming the skin's protective barrier.

Melanocytes - Melanocytes are specialized cells found in the skin, hair follicles, and eyes that produce
and distribute a pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for the coloration of the skin, hair, and
eyes, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV)
radiation by absorbing and dissipating it.

Fibroblasts – are connective tissue cells responsible for producing the extracellular matrix and collagen,
contributing to tissue structure and repair.

Adipose tissue - is a type of connective tissue that stores fat and serves as an energy reserve in the body.