ISP: Integumentary System Introduction - Module Overview
Introduction
When thinking about the body's organs, the heart, brain, or even the stomach tend to come readily to mind. Unlike those organs, the largest organ of the human body is not located inside the body, but rather on the outside of the body—the skin. The skin is the primary organ of the Integumentary System.
This system is rather useful considering that it provides a waterproof coating filled with warm insulation to protect all of the organs on the inside. Unlike a plastic coating, it is flexible and allows fluid movement of the body as a whole. But what exactly are all of the parts and functions of the Integumentary System? I thought you would never ask! Get ready to explore and learn!
Essential Questions
- How can the function of the Integumentary System be described?
- What criteria could be used to identify each structure of the Integumentary System?
- With which body system(s) does the Integumentary System interact directly?
- How would you differentiate between the different skin glands?
- How would you describe the function of skin cells in the different layers of the Integumentary System?
- What conditions change the normal function of the Integumentary System?
Key Terms
- Integumentary System - the organ system that provides protection to the outer body
- Epidermis - the outermost layer of the skin
- Dermis - the second layer of the skin composed of elastic connective tissue, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, involuntary muscle, hair follicles, sweat, and oil glands
- Hypodermis - also known as the subcutaneous fascia is the innermost layer of the skin consisting of connective tissue and adipose (fatty tissue)
- Sebaceous Glands - oil glands
- Sudoriferous Glands - sweat glands
- Macules - flat spots on the skin such as freckles
- Papules - small, firm skin elevation caused by inflammation, fluid accumulation, or hypertrophy of tissue
- Vesicles - a small abnormal elevation of the outer layer of skin enclosing a watery liquid
- Pustules - a small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base
- Crusts - an encrusting deposit of serum, cellular debris, and bacteria present over or about lesions in some skin diseases
- Wheals - a suddenly formed elevation of the skin surface with associated burning or itching
- Ulcer - a break in the skin or mucous membranes with loss of surface tissue; may extend into the dermis and cause bleeding and/or scarring.
- Keratinization - the process in which the cytoplasm of the outermost cells of the mammalian epidermis is replaced by keratin
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