The integumentary system (skin)

Roles:
protection
maintenance of normal body temperature
storage (of fat)
synthesis (of vitamin D)
excretion (of salts, water and wastes in
sweat)
sensory perception
Tissues of the skin
epidermis- straitified squamous epithelium
basement membrane

dermis- largely connective tissue; many

nerves and blood vessels; smooth muscle

hypodermis- adipose tissue and more

loose connective tissue
Epithelium
deepest layer (stratum germinativum, or
stratum basale)- rapidly dividing cells
stem cells present
outermost layer- stratum corneum
dead, keratinized cells

Melanocytes in stratum basale- produce pigment

absorbs UV radiation; surround nucleus

Cells vary in amount of melanin they produce

Epidermal cells make a precursor form of
vitamin D

Modified in liver and kidney

Required for bone formation

“Protection” includes immune protection

Langerhans (dendritic) cells
keratinocytes
specialized T cells
Dermis- capillaries and nerves
deeper layers are dense connective
tissue; superficial layers are loose

Subcutaneous layer
loose connective and adipose tissue
shock absorption, insulation, energy
Accessory structures

Originate in epidermis (hair follicle), extend

into dermis
arrector pili muscle attached

Hair is pigmented; determined by amount of

melanin

(Red hair requires a different pigment)

Pigment production decreases with age

Several specialized types of hair

Nails

Nail bed overlaid by nail plate

Nail growth originates from root; cells become

keratinized

Cuticle is formed from stratum corneum

Two types of exocrine glands

Sebaceous- sebum (oil, wax)

associated with hair follicles
helps maintain pliability of skin

Sweat glands
apocrine (armpits, groin)

merocrine (eccrine)- widely distributed

important for maintaining body temperature
Aging and the integumentary system

Declines in:
Cell division in stratum basale
Melanocyte production
Glandular activity
Hair follicle function
Elastic fiber function in dermis
Blood supply to skin
Rate of repair
Problems of skin

Lesions
infections (bacterial, viral, fungal,parasitic)
inflammatory reactions
allergens
Hyperkeratinization

Tumors
basal cell (stratum basale)
squamous cell
melanoma
Trauma
abrasions, incisions, lacerations

Repair
inflammation
scab formation
fibroblast activity (scar formation)

Burns- severity depends on depth of damage

Rashes- so many causes!