INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM CUTICLE – a variety of tough but flexible, non-mineral outer coverings of

an organism, or parts of an organism, that provide protection

INTEGUMENT
d. ARTHROPODS
 Commonly called the skin with all its derivatives
 Is the outer covering of the body  Characterized by a jointed chitinous exoskeleton and jointed
 Inserted between the internal and external environment of the legs
animal  Examples are crabs, scorpions, crustaceans and insects
 Performs a great variety of functions and gives rise to such diverse
structures as shell, arthropod cuticle, scutes, hair, feathers, and ARTHROPOD INTEGUMENT
horn
 For protection and support
Functions of the integument:
EXOSKELETON – secreted by the epidermis, functions both as a point of
1. COVERING AND PROTECTION – from mechanical injury and attachment for muscles and as a protective armor, but it imposes
entrance of foreign materials; protective coloration; protection limitations on growth and must be periodically molted if the animal is to
against ultraviolet radiation undergo much increase in size.

2. SECRETION – (cutaneous glands); release of repelling or attracting  Consists of single-layered epidermis

secretions
 Secretes a complex cuticle of two zones:
3. EXCRETION – of metabolic wastes (cutaneous glands) 1. PROCUTICLE
 Thicker inner zone
4. SENSATION – due to the presence of nerve endings and tactile cells
 Composed of chitin (polysaccharide)
5. RESPIRATION – frogs use the skin, which is highly impregnated 2. EPICUTICLE
with blood vessels, as an accessory organ or respiration  Thin outer zone
 External surface above procuticle
6. ABSORPTION – in the frog, the stratum corneum is thin and thus
 Non–chitinous complex of proteins & lipids
easily allow entrance of water

7. REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE – applicable only to a) DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS

homoiothermic animals
 Cuticle is stiffened by calcification
a. HOMOIOTHERMOUS ANIMALS – warm-blooded animals * Deposition of calcium carbonate in the outer layers of
or those with a regulated body temperature because of procuticle
their heat-conserving body (Aves and Mammalia)
 Example: crabs & lobsters
b. POIKILOTHERMOUS ANIMALS – cold-blooded animals
whose body temperature closely follows that of their  INSECT HARDENING OCCURS
environment  When protein molecules bond together w/ stabilizing cross-
linkages w/in & between adjacent lamellae of the procuticle
8. PIGMENTS – function in concealment, warming and recognition
SCLEROTIZATION – formation of a highly resistant & insoluble protein
INVERTEBRATE INTEGUMENT
sclerotin
 Most multicellular invertebrates, however, have more complex
 WHEN ARTHROPODS MOLTS
tissue coverings
 Multicellular invertebrate animals are provided with a tissue, the 1. Epidermal cells first divide by mitosis
single layer epidermis
2. Digested materials are then absorbed & consequently not lost
 Soft-bodied aquatic invertebrate/ those of moist environments on
to the body
land ex. Cnidarians, flatworms and slugs epidermis is made up of a
single layer of cells 3. In space beneath old cuticle, a new epicuticle & procuticle are
formed
a. PROTOZOANS 4. After old cuticle sheds, new cuticle thickened & calcified or
 covered by delicate cell membrane (Amoeba) sclerotized

 with firm elastic pellicle (Paramecium)

b. ANNELIDA (earthworm)

 epidermis contains a delicate non-cellular cuticle secreted by

the epidermis as an additional covering

c. PLATYHELMINTHES (flukes and tapeworm) & NEMAHELMINTHES

(Ascaris)

 epidermis contains a resistant cuticle

 VERTEBRATE INTEGUMENT  Dermal bone also gives rise to antlers, as well as the bony core of
horns.
 The vertebrate integument consists of two principal parts, the
epidermis and dermis  Structures such as claws, beaks, nails, and horns are made up of
combinations of epidermal (keratinized) and dermal components
1. EPIDERMIS
 Their basic structure is the same, with a central bony core covered
 the outer, thinner but stratified layer of the skin
 consists primarily of cells by a vascularized nutritive layer of the dermis, and an outer
 ectodermal in origin epithelial layer.
 This epithelial layer has a germinative component responsible for
EPIDERMAL DERIVATIVES – hair, nails, claws, scutes, hoofs, beaks and
bills, horny scales (reptiles and birds), feathers, spines, enamel of the the continual growth of horns, hooves, claws, and beaks.
teeth, glands, horns (hollow and true horns of ruminants)  The outer epithelial layer is keratinized

2. DERMIS (true skin) OTHER STRUCTURES PRESENT IN THE SKIN

 the inner, thicker layer of the skin CHROMATOPHORES – specialized connective tissue cells which contain
 made up mostly of connective tissue fibers, smooth pigments
muscles, blood vessels and sensory nerve endings,
especially tactile corpuscles (specialized nerve endings Types of chromatophores depending upon the pigments present:
that respond to tactile, thermal and pain stimuli)
 mesodermal in origin (dermatome, epimere) 1. MELANOPHORES – connective tissue cell which contain black or
brown pigments (melanin)
DERMAL DERIVATIVES OF THE SKIN – scales of fishes, antlers (horns of
deer) › MELANIN – primary fnx is to absorb the ultraviolet rays of
the sun
EPIDERMIS
BENEFITS:
 The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium, consisting
 reduction in the risk of cancer
usually of several layers of cells.
 reduction in skin wrinkling
 The basal part is made up of cells that undergo frequent mitosis to  Melanin which causes the darkening of skin
renew layers that lie above.
2. LIPOPHORES – connective tissue cells which contain red and
 As outer layers of cells are displaced upward by new generations of
yellow pigments
cells beneath, an exceedingly tough, fibrous protein called keratin
accumulates in the interior of the cells. 3. ERYTHROPHORES – contain red pigments (erythrocin)

 Gradually, keratin replaces all metabolically active cytoplasm. The 4. XANTHOPHORES – contain yellow pigments (xanthin)
cell dies and is eventually shed.
5. GUANOPHORES – connective tissue cells which contain a
 This process is called keratinization, and the cell, thus transformed, colorless, white crystalline material (guanin) which makes animal
is said to be cornified. iridescent (fishes)
 Cornified cells, highly resistant to abrasion and water diffusion,
6. PHOTOPHORES – connective tissue cells which make the animal
comprise the outermost stratum corneum. luminous (deep sea sharks)
 This epidermal layer becomes especially thick in areas exposed to
GLANDS
persistent pressure or wear such as calluses, foot pads of
mammals, and the scales of reptiles and birds. Types of glands according to structure:

1. UNICELLULAR GLANDS – one-celled glands (lingual glands)

DERMIS
2. MULTICELLULAR GLANDS – many-celled glands (mucous glands)
 The dermis mainly serves a supportive role for the epidermis.
 Bony (teleost) fishes have bony scales from dermis, and lizards Types of glands according to the method of secretion:

have horny scales from epidermis. 1. MEROCRINE GLAND (TRUE GLAND) – the glandular cells merely
 Dermal scales of fishes are retained throughout life produce the secretion and no part of the cell goes together with
the secretion; the cell then remains intact or is not destroyed in
 Epidermal scales of reptiles are shed periodically
the process of secretion (sudoriferous or sweat gland)
 Most amphibians lack dermal bones in their skin, whereas in
reptiles dermal bones provide the armor of crocodilians, the 2. APOCRINE GLAND – the secretion gathers at the tip of the gland,
then a portion of the cytoplasm of the cell producing the
beaded skin appearance of many lizards, and also contribute to the
secretion is chipped off and goes together with the secretion
shell of turtles (mammary gland)
 The secretion accumulates in the apical portion of the cell, which is BIRDS
then pinched off along with some cytoplasm
 skin is thin, loose and covered with exoskeletal structures like
3. HOLOCRINE GLAND – the entire cell which produces the feathers, scales, claws and beak or bill (serve as body covering,
secretion goes together with the secretion so that new cells are
insulation, protection and for flight)
constantly produced to replace the lost cells (sebaceous glands;
sebum- lubricate skin & hair)  covered with feathers (nonliving cornified products of the
epidermis that conserve body heat, protect against abrasion,
HOLOCRINE – type of secretory gland where the secretory product is
formed inside the cytoplasm and the secretion is released by the smooth contours, and provide streamlining)
disruption of the plasma membrane and destruction of the cell  feathers form the broad surfaces of wings and tail in flight

EXAMPLES:
MAMMALS
› Oil glands (birds)
› Sebacous glands (mammals)  Skin of mammals contain sweat glands, important in cooling the
body, and sebaceous glands, which secrete a fatty, oily substance
Types of glands according to the type of secretion: that keeps the skin and hair pliable and reduces the rate of
evaporation of water
1. SEROUS GLAND – watery, thin film of secretion; protein rich
product (sweat gland)  In many mammals fat deposits in the dermis further contribute to
insulation
2. OILY GLAND – oily, thick secretion; lipid secretion (oil gland)
 Pigment scattered throughout the skin, being concentrated in the
3. MUCOUS GLAND – slippery secretion due to mucin; carbohydrate epidermis in mammals
rich (mucous gland)
 The human skin resembles that of other mammals but is scantily
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VERTEBRATE SKIN haired and thin in most parts

FISHES

 epidermis is thin and glandular and closely applied to scales

embedded in the dermis

 glands secrete a mucus that coats the body and protects against
disease and injury

 on sharks and rays the scales are covered with enamel and project
through the skin

 such scales in the mouth region probably gave rise to the first
vertebrate teeth

LAND VERTEBRATES (amphibians, reptiles birds and mammals)

 have a stratified epidermis of several cell layers with the

outermost portion cornified.

AMPHIBIANS

 its skin is glandular and moist; thin and naked

 for respiration and absorption

REPTILES, BIRDS & MAMMALS

 the cornified part is dry and tougher, more resistant to abrasion

and water loss

REPTILES

 skin is very much thicker (especially the epidermis) and is provided

with exoskeletal structures like scales, scutes and plates (for
protection and preservation of the loss of body fluids)

 it is thickened into scales, sometimes underlaid with bony scutes

 reptile-like scales are also found on the legs of birds and tails of
rodents
THE HUMAN SKIN  growth of the epidermis is by multiplication of the cells of the
germinative layer
 Considered as the largest organ
 cells divide to form daughter cells continually and newly-formed
Functions: cells push the more mature cells towards the surface

 Skin is a tough, elastic material that prevents rapid evaporation of  cells then pass various phases of degeneration and eventually
water from our bodies. It prevents our inner tissues from become scales and are rubbed off
completely drying up
STRATUM SPINOSUM
Summary of functions:
 variable thickness and composed of irregularly (many-sided)
 covers the body and protects deeper tissues from drying and injury shaped cells

 protects from invasion of infectious microorganisms

 called prickle-cell layer because the surface of the cells is covered
 temperature regulation with short cytoplasmic spines or projections

 acts as an accessory mechanism for tactile and pressure corpuscles  live cells and represent mature germinal cells

 excretory function, eliminating water with the various salts that STRATUM GRANULOSUM
compose perspiration, and the dead cells themselves become an
important way of eliminating salts  cells with granules which represents an early stage of degeneration

 important light screen for the underlying living cells absorbing  cells are in transition between stratum germinativum and the
powers:; absorb oily materials placed in contact with horny cells to the superficial layers

STRATUM LUCIDUM
PARTS OF THE SKIN
 cells have lost their nuclei and cellular outlines due to the
The skin consists of two distinct layers
degenerative process
1. EPIDERMIS – cuticle
STRATUM CORNEUM
2. DERMIS – corium or cutis vera
 protoplasm of the cell has become changed into a protein called
EPIDERMIS (Epi = upon + dermis = skin) keratin, which acts as a waterproof covering

 The epidermis (cuticle) is stratified squamous epithelium  the reaction is acid and many kinds of organisms, when placed
upon the skin are destroyed, presumably by the effect of the
 It varies in thickness in different parts of the body acidity
 thickest in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
DERMIS
 thinnest on the ventral surface of the trunk and inner surfaces of
the limbs  Corium or true skin which lies underneath the epidermis and
 It forms a protective covering on every part of the true skin and is composed of loose connective tissues with fibrous and elastic
closely molded on the papillary layer of the corium tissue fiber in between
 Devoid of blood vessels  Due to the fibers dermis is flexible and elastic

Five regions of the epidermis:  Highly sensitive and contains numerous blood vessels, nerves
glands, hair follicles and papillae
1. STRATUM CORNEUM – horny or outer layer
 Fat cells may be present, blood and lymph capillaries pass freely
2. STRATUM LUCIDUM – clear or translucent layer through the dermis but very few nerve endings penetrate into the
epidermis
3. STRATUM GRANULOSUM – granular layer
Two layers of the dermis:
4. STRATUM SPINOSUM – prickle cell layer
1. PAPILLARY OR SUPERFICIAL LAYER
5. STRATUM GERMINATIVUM – germinal or basal layer
 lies next to the epidermis
 The three outer layers consists of cells that are constantly being
shed and renewed from the cells of the stratum germinativum  layer is increased by small conical elevations called papillae

STRATUM GERMINATIVUM  the cells of the germinal layer of the epidermis fit into these
papillae and hollows in between them. This results in ridges
 a layer of columnar cells that forms the deepest part of the
on the skin surface-utilized in fingerprinting procedures
epidermis

 cells contain a pigment that determines the darkness of the skin

2. RETICULAR OR DEEPER LAYER GLANDS OF THE SKIN

 consists of strong bands of fibrous tissue and some fibers of

elastic tissue. These bands interlace, and the tiny spaces 1. SEBACEOUS GLANDS
formed by their interlacement are occupied by adipose tissue
and sweat glands  small secreting glands that lie beside and open into hair follicles.

 attached to the parts beneath by a subcutaneous loose  each gland consists of a secreting part, an alveolus, that leads into
connective tissue a central canal (or duct). This duct leads into a follicle.

 these occur everywhere over the skin surface with the exception of
APPENDAGES OF THE SKIN the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

1. NAILS/UNGUES  abundant in the scalp and face and are numerous around the
apertures of the nose, mouth, external ears and anus
 are composed of clear, horny cells of the epidermis, joined so as to
form a solid continuous plate upon the dorsal surface of the  largest sebaceous glands are found on the nose and other parts of
phalanges. the face. giving risk to the condition commonly known as
blackheads, pimples.
 each nail is closely adherent to the underlying corium, which is
modified to form what is called bed or matrix  sebum is the secretion of the sebaceous glands. It contains fats,
cholesterol, albuminous material, remnants of epithelial cells and
 the body of the nail is the part that is visible (shown) inorganic salts

 the hidden part is the nail groove also called as the nail root  sebum serves to protect the hairs from becoming too dry and
brittle, as well as from becoming too easily saturated with moisture
 the lunule/lunula is the crescent shaped white area that can be
seen on the part nearest the root. 2. SUDORIFEROUS GLANDS

 the eponychium is the outer horny layer of epidermis at the base  abundant over the whole skin but are largest and most numerous
of the nail that tends to grow out over the nail body in the axillae, the palms of the hands the soles of the feet and the
forehead
 the nails appear pink except the lunule because the blood in the
capillary bed shows through it  simple tubelike glands consisting of a single canal or duct, and a
coiled secreting part. The duct opens upon the skin surface and
has a layer of epithelial cells surrounding its canal

2. HAIRS
 each gland consists of a single tube, with a blind, coiled end that is
lodged in the subcutaneous tissue. The coiled end, the tube is
 the hairs or pili are growths of the epidermis, developed in the hair
continued as the excretory duct of the gland up through the corium
follicles.
and epidermis and finally opens on the surface by a pore
 hair follicle or hair shaft is a small canal opening upon the skin
3. SUDORIFEROUS GLANDS
surface and extending down into the dermis.
 perspiration or sweat contains the same inorganic constituents as
 the part that lies within the follicle is known as the root, and that
the blood but in lower concentration with the chief salt of sodium
portion which projects beyond the surface of the skin is called the
chloride
shaft
 under ordinary circumstances, the perspiration that the body is
 root of hair is enlarged at the bottom of the follicle into a bulb.
continually throwing off evaporates from the surface of the body
 hair has no blood vessels but receives nourishment from the blood without one’s becoming aware of it and is called insensible
vessels. perspiration

3. ARRECTOR (ARRECTORES PILORUM) MUSCLES  when more sweat is poured upon the surface of the body that can
be removed at once by evaporation, it appears on the skin in the
 connected with each follicle are small bundles of involuntary form of drops and is then spoken of a sensible perspiration
muscles called arrector muscles
4. CERUMINOUS GLANDS
 they arise from the papillary layer of the corium and are inserted
into the hair follicle below the entrance of the duct of a sebaceous  skin lining the auditory canal contains modified sweat glands which
gland secrete a yellow, pasty substance resembling wax which is called
cerumen
 these muscles are situated on the side toward which the hairs
slope and when they contract under the influence of cold and  an accumulation of cerumen deep in the auditory canal may
fright, they straighten the follicles and elevate the hairs, producing interfere with hearing
the roughened condition of the skin known as “gooseflesh”