The integumentary system is one of the most important systems in the human body (and one of the hardest words for me, personally, to pronounce).
It is responsible for protecting the body from external harm and also helps regulate internal body temperature.
But first, you might be asking:
“That’s all well and good, but what is this integumentary system?”
“What parts of the body is it made up of?” And,
“Why does it matter to me?”
To illustrate its importance, let me give an example: This system is a collection of anatomical structures like skin, hair, nails, and various glands, all working together, as well as separately, which I think is super interesting.
My purpose of creating this article – and all the others in this series – is to give you a frame of general knowledge as to what our body’s do for us on a daily basis, and what parts we’re actually made up of that we might not have been aware of before.
In no way will this article or the others like it be in-depth essays into any particular topic. Their designs are to give everyone a run-down of things they might never have been taught – or might have simply not been paying attention in grade school health class but are interested in now!
So, without further ado, let us begin:
The Skin’s Role In the Integumentary System
The skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the body from external threats like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
There are three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.
Try saying subcutaneous five times fast.
The Cleveland Clinic talks about the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin and is responsible for protecting the body from harmful UV rays, while the dermis, the middle layer contains various connective tissues, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
The subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer and holds things like fat cells that help insulate the body and protect it from physical trauma.
The Hair & Nails
Next, we have hair and nails, which Science Direct says are also vastly important parts of the integumentary system.
For both men and women, isn’t our hair important to us?
Yet I don’t see too many people invested in the systems that make up our hair.
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Hair consists primarily of a fibrous protein called “keratin,” which provides strength and structure. It also helps protect the scalp from UV rays and also serves as a sensory organ.
Nails, equally important, consist of a protein called keratin and protect the tips of fingers and toes from damage.
Glands
The integumentary system also contains various glands that play important roles in maintaining the body’s internal environment. These include sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and mammary glands.
Sweat glands help regulate body temperature by secreting sweat, which cools the body down as it evaporates.
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate the skin and hair.
Mammary glands, found only in females, produce milk for nourishing newborns.
It is responsible for protecting the body from external threats, regulating body temperature, and helping to maintain the body’s internal environment.