INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

FUNCTION OF THE SYSTEM The main function of the system is to help protect the body

THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM The main organs of the integumentary system are the skin, nails, and hair.

SKIN Functions of the skin: *To cover the body and prevent water loss (elderly individuals have water loss over time …wrinkles) *To protect the body from infection and injury *It regulates body temperature by getting rid of wastes through sweat (99% of sweat is water) *It receives information from the environment *It produces Vitamin D.

Burns and injuries Individuals that are victims of burns are categorized by degrees. 1 st degree burn means it is the least severe-the skin top layer has been removed.

2 nd and 3 rd degree DEHYDRATION OCCURS. 2 nd degree burns destroy both the top and next layer of skin.Once the epidermis has separated from the raw dermis, the victim begins to lose fluid, heat, and the ability to block infection. The raw nerve cells of the dermis also mean second degree burns are the most painful.

3 rd degree burns This indicates the burn has destroyed both the epidermis and dermis. The victim has the same trouble with fluid loss, heat loss, and infection that come with second- degree burns. Full-thickness burns also cause nerve death, so the victim may not be able to feel anything in the area of the burn.

Layers of the skin

Microscopic view of skin

HAIR Helps to protect your head from sun Keeps heat close to your head in cold weather

Microscopic View of Hair

NAILS Fingernails and toenails protect the tips of the fingers and toes from injury Made of epidermal cells that are thick and tough; they grow from the nail bed, which continues to manufacture cells

Nail Bed