Integumentary System

The skin has two regions: the epidermis and the dermis. The hypodermis lies below the skin. The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, is made up of stratified squamous epithelium. The dermis is composed of irregular connective tissue and lies beneath the epidermis. The hypodermis is made up of loose connective tissue and adipose tissue, witch insulates the body from heat and cold.

Accessory structures of the skin include hair, nails, and glands. Both hair and nails are produced by the division of epidermal cells and consist of keratinized cells. Sweat glands are numerous and present in all regions of the skin. (Sweating helps lower body temperature.) Sebaceous glands are associated with a hair follicle and secrete sebum, which lubricates and waterproofs hair and skin. Mammary glands produce milk in the breasts after childbirth.

Skin cancer occurs in three forms. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can usually be surgically romoved. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The skin has regenerative powers and can grow back on its own if a wound is not too extensive. The severity of a burn depends on its depth and extent. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis.

Wound Healing, The skin has regenerative powers and can grow back on its own if a wound is not too extensive.

Burns. The severity of a burn depends on its depth and extent. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis and a potion of the dermis. Third-degree burns affect the entire epidermis and dermis. The “rule of nines” provides a means of estimating the extent of a burn injury.

Effects of aging. Skin wrinkles with age because the epidermis is held less tightly, fibers in the dermis are fewer, and the hypodermis has less padding. The skin has fewer blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Although pigment cells are fewer and the hair turns gray, pigmented blotches appear on the skin. Exposure to the sun results in many of the skin changes we associate with aging.

Homeostasis. Skin protects the body from physical trauma and bacterial invasion. Skin helps regulate water loss and gain, which helps the urinary system. Also, swear glands excrete some urea. The skin produces a precursor molecule that is converted to vitamin D following exposure to UV radiation. A hormone derived from vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism involved in bone development. The skin contains sensory receptors for touch , pressure, pain, hot, and cold, which help people to be aware of their surroundings. These receptors send information to the nervous system. The skin helps regulate body temperature. When the body is too hot, surface blood vessels dilate, and the sweat glands are active. When the body is cold, surface blood vessels constrict, and the sweat glands are inactive. Hyperthermia and hypothermia are two conditions that can result when the body’s temperature regulatory mechanism is overcome. With hypothermia, the body temperature rises above normal, and with hypothermia, the body temperature falls below normal.

Specifications

Organ/Object

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Warnings!

If burned, discomfort, pain, disfigurement, and possibly death, may occur.

Dry skin is also discomforting.

If lying in the same position for a prolonged period of time occurs, a bedsore will most likely appear.

Acne and Psoriasis are some complications of the skin due to chemical imbalances.

Danger!

Severe burns are a danger to how well you skin is able to protect itself from diseases and infections. Skin graphs are pertinent if the burn is severe enough to were the skin is unable to grow newly and healthy again.

Operation

The operation of the integumentary system is to protect all the muscles and organs in the body.

Safety Instructions

Wearing sun block is vital to having smoother, healthier skin when old age arises. Also, protection from UV rays, will prevent the likelihood of melanoma.

If the skin as acne, we recommend that you seek out a dermatologist, before scarring takes place.

If there is any hair loss, Rogain is an excellent product to look into if you which to restore your full head of hair.

Proper protection in all elements is strongly advised. i.e. winter; scarf, mittens, boots, thick coats, lip balm, summer; sunscreen, sunglasses, hats/visors.

Maintenance

To be done daily: showering/facial skin care

To be done weekly: application of lotion

To be done monthly: exfoliation or if any oddly shaped moles appear, see a doctor to check if it is cancerous.

Yearly inspections: Dermatologist