Why Is it Important to Understand the Integumentary System?
The integumentary system defends an animal's bodily integrity---wholeness---from damage. It consists of the skin, hair, nails, claws, hooves, horns, feathers, scales, sweat glands and nerves. It is an indispensable companion on life's journey; it is a friend worth knowing well.
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Semi-Living Armor
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The integumentary system is semi-living armor. It is derived from numerous layers of dead cells---keratinocytes---toughened by waterproofing keratin proteins into a strong barrier. The closer to the surface, the more keratinized and stronger they are.
The Basic Protective Layers: In Brief
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This armor is divided into several basic layers. Briefly, these are: the epidermal outer layer of various types of keratinocytes, the lower dermal layer of blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves, and the innermost layer of subcutaneous tissues that store fat, retain heat and deflect internal injury.
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Guardian Against Invasion
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The skin is the largest part of the integumentary system. Selectively permeable, it absorbs only water and certain nutrients. All other organisms, chemicals and radiation are kept out, unless the skin is punctured or a harmful substance gains entry via another opening.
Upholder of Homeostasis
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Preserving the internal conditions necessary for life---homeostasis---is a major task of the integumentary system. Regulating blood flow to the sweat glands maintains this equilibrium. When warmth is needed, blood vessels narrow, curtailing sweating and retaining heat. If cooling is necessary, blood vessels widen, increasing sweating to cool the body via evaporation of perspiration.
Other homeostatic processes regulated by the integumentary system include water retention, nutrient absorption and synthesis, and disposal of certain wastes.
Tactile Window to the World
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Essential information about touch, pressure, pain, heat and cold is received by receptors housed within the dermis. Without them, our understanding of our surroundings would be severely limited and we would be far less aware of our world and more susceptible to injury.
Solitary Soldier
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Understanding the integumentary system reminds us of its advantages, limitations and tremendous value. It is the only one we get, and is truly worth knowing and nurturing.
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References
- Photo Credit elephant skin image by Philip Date from Fotolia.com
