Integumentary System: Botany Ovule Testa Seed Coat

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"Integumentary" redirects here; in botany, an integument refers to an outer

membrane of an ovule, which develops into the testa, the seed coat.
Integumentary system
Cross-section of all skin layers

Identifiers
Code TH H3.12.00.0.00001
TA A16.0.00.001
FMA 72979
Anatomical terminology
[edit on Wikidata]
The integumentary system is the organ system that protects the body from
various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from outside. [1] The
system comprises the skin and its appendages[2]
[3]
(including hair, scales, feathers,hooves, and nails). The integumentary system has
a variety of functions; it may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper
tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate temperature, and is the attachment site
for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature. In most
terrestrial vertebrates with significant exposure to sunlight, the integumentary
system also provides for vitamin D synthesis.
The skin is the largest organ in the body. In humans, it accounts for about 12 to 15
percent of total body weight and covers 1.5-2m 2 of surface area.[4] It distinguishes,
separates, and protects the organism from its surroundings. Small-bodied
invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer
(integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of
the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange.
The human skin (integument) is composed of a minimum of two major layers of
tissue: the epidermis and dermis. (The hypodermis or subcutaneous layer is not part
of the skin.) The epidermis forms the outermost layer, providing the initial barrier to
the external environment. Beneath this, the dermis comprises two sections, the
papillary and reticular layers, and contains connective tissues, vessels, glands,
follicles, hair roots, sensory nerve endings, and muscular tissue. [5] The deepest layer
is the hypodermis, which is primarily made up of adipose tissue. Substantial
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collagen bundles anchor the dermis to the hypodermis in a way that permits most
areas of the skin to move freely over the deeper tissue layers. [6]
Epidermis[edit]
Main article: Epidermis (skin)
Epidermis and dermis of human skin

This is the top layer of skin made up of epithelial
cells. It does not contain blood vessels. Its main
function is protection, absorption of nutrients, and
homeostasis. In structure, it consists of a keratinized
stratified squamous epithelium comprising four types
of cells: keratinocytes, melanocytes, Merkel cells,
and Langerhans' cells. The major cell of the
epidermis is the keratinocyte, which produces
keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that aids in protection. Keratin is also a
waterproofing protein. Millions of dead keratinocytes rub off daily. The majority of
the skin on the body is keratinized, meaning waterproofed. The only skin on the
body that is non-keratinized is the lining of skin on the inside of the mouth. Non-
keratinized cells allow water to "stay" atop the structure.
The protein keratin stiffens epidermal tissue to form fingernails. Nails grow from a
thin area called the nail matrix; growth of nails is 1 mm per week on average.
The lunula is the crescent-shape area at the base of the nail, this is a lighter color as
it mixes with the matrix cells.
Dermis[edit]
Main article: Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of skin, composed of dense irregular connective
tissue and areolar connective tissue such as collagen with elastin arranged in a
diffusely bundled and woven pattern. The dermis has two layers. One is the
papillary layer which is the superficial layer and consists of the areolar connective
tissue. The other is the reticular layer which is the deep layer of the dermis and
consists of the dense irregular connective tissue. These layers serve to give
elasticity to the integument, allowing stretching and conferring flexibility, while also
resisting distortions, wrinkling, and sagging. [5] The dermal layer provides a site for
the endings of blood vessels and nerves. Many chromatophores are also stored in
this layer, as are the bases of integumental structures such as hair, feathers,
and glands.
Hypodermis[edit]
Main article: Hypodermis
The hypodermis, otherwise known as the subcutaneous layer, is a layer beneath the
skin. It invaginates into the dermis and is attached to the latter, immediately above
it, by collagen and elastin fibres. It is essentially composed of a type of cell known
as adipocytes specialised in accumulating and storing fats. These cells are grouped
together in lobules separated by connective tissue.
The hypodermis acts as an energy reserve. The fats contained in the adipocytes can
be put back into circulation, via the venous route, during intense effort or when
there is a lack of energy providing substances, and are then transformed into
energy. When we speak of "burning up calories", we are burning up fats in
particular. The hypodermis participates, passively at least, in thermoregulation since
fat is a heat insulator.
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Functions[edit]
The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work
in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the
function of the body. The skin has an important job of protecting the body and acts
as the bodys first line of defense against infection, temperature change, and other
challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:
Protect the bodys internal living tissues and organs
Protect against invasion by infectious organisms
Protect the body from dehydration
Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis
Help excrete waste materials through perspiration
Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory
system)
Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin
Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light
Store water, fat, glucose, vitamin d
Maintenance of the body form
Formation of new cells from stratum germanium to repair minor injuries
Protect from UV rays.
Clinical significance[edit]
Possible diseases and injuries to the human integumentary system include:
Rash
Blister
Athlete's foot
Infection
Sunburn
Skin cancer
Albinism
Acne
Herpes
Herpes labialis, commonly called cold sores
Impetigo
Rubella
Cancer
Psoriasis
Rabies

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1

"Integumentary" redirects here; in botany, an integument refers to an outer

Cross-section of all skin layers

Epidermis and dermis of human skin

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