Integumentary System
Ms Clark
PVMHS
Integumentary System
Made up of the skin and its
accessory structures
Accessory structures:
Hair
Nails
Glands
Sensory receptors
The skin is the largest organ in the
body
It is an organ because it consists of
different tissues that are joined to
perform specific activities
Dermatology is the branch of
medicine that specializes in
diagnosing and treating skin
disorders
Functions of Skin
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Regulation of body temperature
Protection
Sensation
Excretion
Immunity
Synthesis for Vitamin D
Functions of Skin
1. Regulation of body temperature
Evaporation of sweat , changes in flow
of blood
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Protection
Sensation
Excretion
Immunity
Synthesis for Vitamin D
Functions of Skin
1. Regulation of body temperature
2. Protection
Barrier from abrasion, bacteria,
dehydration, UV radiation
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sensation
Excretion
Immunity
Synthesis for Vitamin D
Functions of Skin
1. Regulation of body temperature
2. Protection
3. Sensation
Nerve endings detect stimuli
4. Excretion
5. Immunity
6. Synthesis for Vitamin D
Functions of Skin
1.
2.
3.
4.
Regulation of body temperature
Protection
Sensation
Excretion
Small amounts of water, salts, etc
excreted by sweat glands
5. Immunity
6. Synthesis for Vitamin D
Functions of Skin
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Regulation of body temperature
Protection
Sensation
Excretion
Immunity
Langerhans cells help fight foreign
invaders
6. Synthesis for Vitamin D
Functions of Skin
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Regulation of body temperature
Protection
Sensation
Excretion
Immunity
Synthesis for Vitamin D
Exposure to UV radiation initiates synthesis
of the active form on vitamin D (aids in the
absorption of calcium and phosphorus)
Structure of Skin
Two parts
Epidermis
Outer, thinner portion, which is composed of
epithelium (mostly stratified squamous)
Dermis
Deeper, thicker part composed of connective
tissue
Structure of Skin
Subcutaneous layer also called
hypodermis which attaches the skin
to underlying structures (deep to
dermis)
Adipose and areolar connective tissue
Serves as storage for fat
Contains large blood vessels
supplying the skin
Contains sensory nerve endings
sensitive to pressure
Epidermis
Avascular
5 layers (strata)
Stratified squamous cells
Keratinocytes produce keratin
(tough, fibrous protein; functions are
protection and durability)
Layers of the Epidermis
From superficial to deep
Stratum corneum
Stratum lucidum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum spinosum
Stratum basale
Stratum corneum
Outermost epidermal layer
Made up of 20-30 cell layers
Flat, dead keratinocytes
Constant exposure to friction or pressure
leads to formation of a callus an
abnormal thickening
Keratinization: cells gain keratin and
are constantly shed and replaced by
new cells
Stratum lucidum
Consists of about 5 layers of clear,
flat, dead cells
Found only in the thick skin of the
palms and soles
Stratum granulosum
Contains about 5 layers of flattened
keratinocytes
Cells contain granules that release
lipids, functioning as a waterrepellant
Upper layers beginning to die
Stratum spinosum
8-10 layers of keratinocytes with
spiny projections
Also contains Langerhans cells and
projections of melanocytes
Some cell division occurs here
Receives some nourishment from the
dermis (by diffusion)
Stratum basale
One row of cells right above dermis
Cells constantly reproducing through
cell division
Cells multiply, push up, and become
part of more superficial layers
Adequate blood supply from dermis
Melanocytes, Langerhans cells,
Merkel cells
Epidermal Layers
Cats Like Good Smelly Beef
Can Lexie Get Some Band-Aids
Carl Likes Green Soggy Bagels
Clark Loves Going to Sunny Beaches
How does the skin do it?
Cells in the lower strata of the epidermis (mostly in
the stratum basale and some in stratum
spinosum) are constantly undergoing cell division
(millions of new cells made daily) and the new
cells are pushed upward, away from the blood
supply of the dermis to become part of the layers
that are closer to the skins surface.
As the cells move upward toward the stratum
corneum, they start to die off and become flatter.
These cells have more protective keratin in them.
Dermis
Major parts are collagen, reticular
fibers (thin protein fibers that add
support), and elastic fibers
Two layers
Papillary layer (loose connective tissue)
Reticular layer (dense connective tissue)
Papillary Layer
Directly beneath epidermis
Connects to it via papillae (finger-like
projections)
Reticular Layer
Deep to papillary layer
Contains collagen fibers, Pacinian
corpuscles, sensory receptors, sweat
glands, hair follicles, lymph vessels
