Integumentary System
Miranda Tisdale P5
What Are the Functions of the Integumentary System?
Without the integumentary system, we wouldn't be able to survive. The integumentary system works to protect, store, and regulate body temperature. It protects us from germs, dehydration, and injury. It manufactures vitamin D so that our digestive system can absorb calcium, and it also stores glucose, fat, water, and even salt. It even protects us from harmful sun rays.
Organs and Tissues
There Isn't Just One Kind of Tissue
The skin is made of three different layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The epidermis, which is the layer that we can see, is slightly acidic. It produces more cells by undergoing continuous cell division called Stratum Germinativum.
The dermis, or the layer under the epidermis, contains sensory cells for heat, cold, pain, and pressure, and also contains subaceous glands and sweat glands. It is made of matted masses of connective tissue, elastic fibers, nerve endings, muscles, and hair follicles.
The hypodermis stores half the body's fat and absorbs shock. It is a loose, connective tissue.
Ailments of the Integumentary System
Shingles
Shingles is a skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include itching, numbness, or burning pain. About a week after the initial symptoms, it appears as large blisters. It can be treated with antiviral and/or pain relief medications, or by seeing a doctor called a Physician.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are usually caused by improperly trimmed nails and shoes that are too small. It starts with pain, but eventually turns into infection and difficulty walking. Treatments include cutting your toenails square, soaking your foot in hot water, or having a doctor completely remove the toenail.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis, a disease which is not contagious, has no definite cause. It is a disease which causes red inflammation of the skin and red blood cells to appear on the epidermis. There is no treatment that has been known to be 100% effective.