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Understanding the Integumentary System

Apr 30, 2025

Integumentary System Lecture Notes

Overview of the Integumentary System

  • The integumentary system is composed of the skin and its accessory structures, including hair, nails, and glands.
  • Functions of the integumentary system:
    • Protection against environmental hazards
    • Regulation of body temperature
    • Sensory reception
    • Production of vitamin D
    • Excretion of wastes through perspiration

Structure of the Skin

  • Epidermis: The outermost layer of skin
    • Composed of stratified squamous epithelium
    • Contains keratinocytes which produce keratin
    • Melanocytes produce melanin which gives skin its color
    • Langerhans cells are involved in immune response
    • Merkel cells function as touch receptors
  • Dermis: Middle layer of skin
    • Composed of connective tissue
    • Contains collagen and elastin fibers
    • Houses blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands
  • Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer): Deepest layer
    • Composed primarily of adipose tissue
    • Provides insulation and cushioning

Accessory Structures of the Skin

  • Hair
    • Produced by hair follicles
    • Functions in protection and sensory input
  • Nails
    • Composed of keratin
    • Protects the distal phalanx and enhances fine touch sensation
  • Glands
    • Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance
    • Sweat glands help regulate body temperature and excrete wastes

Disorders of the Integumentary System

  • Acne
    • Caused by clogged hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells
    • Involves sebaceous glands
  • Psoriasis
    • Chronic condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin
    • Autoimmune nature
  • Dermatitis
    • Inflammation of the skin, often resulting from an allergic reaction

Skin Healing and Repair

  • Wound healing involves multiple stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling
  • Involves various cell types and biological processes to restore integrity

Review and Exam Preparation

  • Focus on understanding the layers of the skin and their functions
  • Know the accessory structures and their roles
  • Be familiar with common disorders and their characteristics
  • Review the processes involved in skin healing and repair

Additional Notes:

  • This lecture focuses on the practical understanding of the skin’s anatomy and physiology.
  • Pay attention to diagrams and images that illustrate skin structures for better comprehension.