The Importance of the Integumentary System

Paper Summary:

The integumentary system is comprised of the skin and skin derivatives including hair, nails, glands and receptors. Skin, glands and receptors have many important functions that are described in this paper.

From the Paper:

"The skins keeps the inside structures in and outside substances out (Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology). Its strength and pliability make it very tough to outside physical forces. Keratin is a protein in skin cells that makes skin water repellant thereby providing resistance to many chemicals. Acidic skin secretions also help resist chemical damage and prevent bacterial growth. And, the skin protects the body from ultraviolet radiation damage. Coloration cells in the skin are called melanocytes. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of the pigment melanin in the Epidermis (thin outer layer of skin), creating a suntan. This darkening of the skin helps shield the cell nucleus from ultraviolet damage. Sebum, secreted by the skin prevents our bodies from evaporating too much water through the skin and helps prevent dehydration."

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