The Human Body Corporation: Skin
By: Julia Jeffrey, Molly Glueck and Katie Kuhlman
Skin
The skin is part of the Integumentary System along with the sweat and sebaceous glands. Sweat glands release extra heat to help maintain homeostasis and secrete organic waste. The sebaceous glands release oil and lubricate the skin and hair.
Facts about the skin
1. Skin is the largest organ in the Human Body Corporation.2. Skin makes up 15% percent of bodyweight.3. Skin has 3 layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous.4. The skin is thinnest on the eyelids.5. To heal, skin forms scar tissue.
Facts about the integumentary system
1. The Integumentary System excretes toxins through sweat.2. This system is a waterproof outer layer.3. There are 2-5 million sweat glands in this system.4. This system causes you to shed 40 lbs. of skin in a lifetime.5. This system makes up 1/6 of your body's mass.
Diagram of Skin
This picture shows the components of the integumentary system in detail.
Appearance of Skin
Skin is a thin, neutral colored, protective outer layer that covers the entire human body.
Sweat
Sweating helps to cool down the body.
Function
The function of the skin is to keep out foreign invaders and lock in moisture. Meaning, it keeps good things in and bad things out.
Partners
The Integumentary system is partners with the Nervous, Muscular, Endocrine, Skeletal, and Immune to maintain homeostasis. It protects the skeletal system and protects the Immune system from infections.
Interdependence
If the skin is not guarding the body from foreign invaders as usual, the immune system will be up for a fight with infections. The immune system would shut down and the body would fail. The skin also works with the nervous system when responding to stimuli, by detecting pain and extreme temperatures. Skin protects the nerves that then send messages to the brain. Without skin, the Nervous System will not respond to stimuli properly, and the human body's surface will be harmed.
Importance
Without skin, the human body would be unprotected and exposed. Also, dehydration of the body would occur. Blood would not reach the vital organs and the body would start to rot.
Other Option
The right kidney is in a great position to be layed off. There are two kidneys, not just one. Although it's function (filtering waste out of the blood) is important, it is scientifically proven that people can live with only one kidney.