Integumentary

Integumentary
​STRUCTURES and LAYERS:

 FUNCTIONS:​ Some basic funtions of the Integumentary System are to act as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world, retain fluids, protect against diseases, eliminate waste, and help to maintain body temperature.
 * **__Epidermal Layer__**: The outermost layer of skin. The outer most part of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is mostly water proof. The cells in the epidermis contain a structural matrix which makes the epidermis almost waterproof. If it does not get damaged, the stratum corneum will keep out most bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. In the basal layer of the epidermis there are cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is one of the main contributors to skin color. The primary function of Melanin is to filter out ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation can lead to DNA damage. This could result in numerous harmful effects, including skin cancer.
 * **__Dermal Layer__**: The layer under the Epidermal Layer is the Dermis which is much thicker than the Epidermal. The Dermis also contains the hair roots that are found in the hair follicle. The dermis contains blood vessels along with lymph vessels, hair follicles and glands that produce sweat. The hair follicle in the dermis have at least one oil gland that produces sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that controls the state of the hair and skin.The sweat and sebum then go through the pores of the skin.
 * __**Subcutaneous Layer**__: This layer is under the Dermis layer. It is made up of apidose and other loose connective tissues. This layer helps to insulate the body. The Soubcutaneous layer also is responsible for helping the body warm up and cool off. This layer is not actually considered as skin. The subcutaneous layer just attaches the skin to everything beneath it, like muscles.
 * **__ Sudoriferous and Sebaceious glands: __** Located in the Dermal Layer, create sweat and oil. The skin releases waste by excreting it through the body's sweat glands. It also produces receptors in the hair and fingernails that let humans feel pain, temperature, and pressure. Sebaceious glands are found all over the body except in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The hair produces sebum which helps the hair stay moist.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: Certain parts of the Endocine System aid with the Integumentary System. The sensory receptors in the skin send messages to the brain about outside factors that affect the skin, things such as UV light and extreme heat/cold. Then the endocrine glands in the brain, such as the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, can release hormones and regulate body temperature.