ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the largest organ STRATUM GRANULOSUM

system in the human body, it is composed of skin,
hair, nails, and glands Is the third layer of the epidermis. It is a thin layer
of cells that are undergoing apoptosis, or
It acts as a barrier to protect the body from the programmed cell death. These cells are filled with
environment and helps regulate temperature keratohyalin granules, which are precursors to
keratin. This layer also contains lamellar granules
SKIN STRUCTURE AND LAYERS that release lipids that help to water proof the skin

EPIDERMIS STRATUM SPINOSUM

The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, it is Is the fourth layer of the epidermis, located
composed of stratified squamous epithelium. It beneath the stratum granulosum. It is a thick layer
is a protective barrier against the environment. It of cells that are responsible for providing strength
contains keratinocytes, which produce keratin, and flexibility of the skin
a tough protein that provides protection
The cells in the stratum spinosum are connected to
OUTERMOST LAYER each other by desmosomes, which are
specialized junctions that hold the cells together
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. It is
composed of epithelial tissue and lacks blood This layer also contains Langerhans cells, which
vessels are immune cells that help protect the skin from
infection
KERATINOCYTES
STRATUM BASALE
The majority of epidermal cells are keratinocytes.
These cells produce keratin, a tough protein that The deepest layer of the epidermis and is attached
protects the skin. to the dermis. This layer is responsible for the
production of new skin
MELANOCYTES
It is composed of a single layer of columnar or
Are specialize cells that produce melanin and cuboidal cells, called keratinocytes, which are
protects it from UV radiation constantly dividing to produce new skin cells
LAYERS OF EPIDERMIS It contains melanocytes, which produce melanin,
the pigment that gives skin its color and protects it
STRATUM CORNEUM from UV radiation
It is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It is
DERMIS
composed of dead flattened cells that are filled
with keratin, a tough protein that gives its strength The dermis is the middle layer of skin, composed
and resilience. of connective tissue, and contains blood
vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands. It
It acts as a barrier against water loss and protects
provides strength and support to the skin, and it is
the body from environmental factors like bacteria,
responsible for the skin’s elasticity and
viruses, and chemicals
flexibility.
STRATUM LUCIDUM
It is responsible for providing nourishment to the
Is a thin clear layer of skin found only in thick epidermis and for regulating body temperature
skin, such as the palms of the hands and soles of
LAYERS OF DERMIS
the feet. It’s a translucent layer composed of
flattened, dead cells filled with keratin and a PAPILLARY LAYER
protein called eleidin.
Is the superficial layer of the dermis, a thin layer
This layer helps protect the underlying layers of of loose connective tissue.
skin from damage and provides a smooth even
surface for the stratum corneum. It contains dermal papillae, which are finger-like
projections that extend into the epidermis

Richly supplied with blood vessels, which nourish

the epidermis
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Integumentary System

It contains sensory receptors, which detect touch, helps to filter out dust and other particles. Hair also
pressure, and temperature provides insulation, helping to keep the body
warm.
RETICULAR LAYER
NAILS
The deeper layer of the dermis. It is composed of
dense irregular connective tissue. Are protective coverings on the tips of fingers
and toes. They are made of hard keratinized
It contains collagen fibers, which provide strength protein that grows from the nail matrix.
and elasticity to the skin
They are keratinized plates that cover the dorsal
It also contains elastin fibers, which help the skin surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes.
to return to its original shape after being stretched
Composed of specialized type of keratin called
It also contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair alpha-keratin found in hair and skin.
follicles
The visible part of the nail is called nail plate,
HYPODERMIS formed by the nail matrix, a specialized area of the
epidermis located beneath the proximal nail folds
The hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, is the
innermost layer of skin, compose of adipose The nail matrix produces new nail cells, which are
tissue and loose connective tissue. It helps to pushed forward as the nail grows. The nail plate
insulate the body and cushion the skin. It also slides over the nail bed, a layer of epithelium.
contains blood vessels and nerves.
The nail bed contains numerous blood vessels,
SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER which give the nail its pink color. The free edge of
the nail is the part that extends beyond the
It primarily consists of adipose tissue, which acts
fingertip, and it is trimmed or filed as needed
as a thermal insulator and energy reserve

CONNECTIVE TISSUE
GLANDS
The integumentary contains two types of glands
It is composed of loose connective tissue, which
sebaceous glands and sweat glands. These glands
allows flexibility and movement of the skin over
produce substances that lubricate and regulate
underlying structures
body temperature
VASCULAR NETWORK
SEBACEOUS GLAND
Is richly supplied with blood vessels, which provide
Oil Producers – they are microscopic glands
nourishment and support to the skin and other
attached to hair follicles
tissues
Lubrication and Protection – it secretes sebum,
SENSORY NERVE ENDINGS
an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair
Contains sensory nerve endings, which play a role
Preventing water loss – sebum helps to prevent
in touch sensation and temperature perception
water loss from the skin and protects it from
SKIN APPEDAGES environmental damage

HAIR SWEAT GLANDS

Hair is a keratinized filament that grows from hair It is important for thermoregulation and are found
follicles in the epidermis into the dermis. It protects throughout the skin, but they are more
the scalp and helps regulate body temperature concentrated in areas like the palms, soles, and
forehead
It is composed of keratin, a fibrous protein that
also forms nails and hooves. Two main types of sweat glands:

Hair plays a variety roles in humans, including ECCRINE SWEAT GLANDS

protection, insulation, and sensory function. 1. Abundant
Hair on the scalp helps protects the head from the
injury and sunlight. Hair in the nostrils and ears
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Integumentary System
- Eccrine are found all over the body, SENSATION
especially on the palms, soles, and
forehead TOUCH RECEPTORS
2. Temperature Regulation
- These glands play a key role in The skin contains various receptors that detect
maintaining body temperature through touch, pressure, temperature, and pain
sweat production which cools the body as NERVE IMPULSES
it evaporates
3. Structure Sensory information is transmitted to the brain via
- They are coiled tubular glands that open nerve impulses, allowing us to perceive our
onto the skin surface through a pore environment
4. Secretion
- They secrete a clear, odorless sweat that PAIN PERCEPTION
is primarily composed of water, salt, and
urea Pain receptors alert us to potential harm, protecting
our body from further injury
APOCRINE SWEAT GLANDS
PROTECTIVE MECHANISM
1. Location
- Found in the axillae (armpits), groin, and Sensation plays a crucial role in our safety and
areolae of the breasts and also in external helps us avoid potentially dangerous situations
ear canal and eyelids
2. Function TEMPERATURE REGULATION
- Larger than eccrine and produce thicker, SWEATING
milky secretion that contains protein,
lipids, and pheromones Sweat glands release sweat onto the skin’s
- Secretion is thought to be involved in surface, which evaporates and cools the body
sexual signaling and social
communication VASOCONSTRICTION
3. Activation
- They are activated by emotional stress Blood vessels in the skin narrow, reducing blood
and sexual arousal flow to the surface and minimizing heat loss
- Their activity increases during puberty
VASODILATION
and declines in age
Blood vessel in the skin widen, increasing blood
FUNCTIONS OF THE INTEGUMENTART flow to the surface promoting heat dissipation
SYSTEM
SHIVERING
The integumentary system plays a vital role in
maintaining the body’s overall health and well- Involuntary muscle contractions generate heat
being to warm the body
It serves as a protective barrier, regulates VITAMIN D SYNTHESIS
temperature, and aids in sensation, vitamin D
synthesis, and immune function SUNLIGHT AND VITAMIN D

PROTECTION The skin plays a crucial role in synthesizing

Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet B
PHYSICAL BARRIER (UVB) rays from the sun interact with a precursor
molecule in the skin, converting to vitamin D3.
The skin acts as a barrier, preventing pathogens,
chemical, and UV radiation BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D
PIGMENTATION It is essential for calcium absorption, bone health,
and immune function. It also plays a role in cell
Melanin provides protection from harmful UV growth and differentiation
radiation, reducing the risk of skin cancer
WOUND HEALING
IMMUNE RESPONSE
INFLAMMATION
The skin contains immune cells that help
infections and prevent the spread of pathogens The first stage of healing, where blood clots form
and white blood cells clear debris
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Integumentary System
PROLIFERATION Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty,
can contribute to increased oil production and acne
This phase is characterized by the growth of new
blood vessels and the formation of granulation
tissues rich in collagen.
PIMPLES
REMODELING
The clogged pores can lead to the formation of
The final stage, where collagen fibers recognize pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other
and the wound contracts, leading to scar lesions
formation
GENETICS
IMMUNE FUNCTION
Acne can be hereditary, and some people are
LEUKOCYTES more prone to developing it than others

White blood cells protect the skin from ECZEMA

pathogens. They engulf foreign invaders and
release chemical to initiate immune responses INFLAMMATION

IMMUNE RESPONSE It is a common skin condition. It causes

inflammation and redness, and itching. It occurs
The integumentary system acts as a first line of when the skin’s natural barrier is disrupted
defense against infection. Skin injuries activate the
immune system, leading to inflammation and TRIGGERS
wound healing
Common triggers include allergens, irritants, and
ANTIBODIES stress

Skin cells produces antibodies that specifically TREATMENT

target and neutralize pathogens, preventing
Treatment for eczema focuses in managing
infections and maintaining skin health.
symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Treatment
HOMEOSTASIS may include topical cream, oral medications, and
lifestyle changes
Maintaining Equilibrium
PSORIASIS
It plays a vital role in regulating body temperature
through sweating and vasoconstriction, ensuring a CHRONIC SKIN CONDITION
stable internal environment
Is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause
Protection and Repair skins cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick
scaly patches
It acts as a barrier against external treats like
pathogens, UV Radiation, and physical trauma. Its COMMON SYMPTOMS
ability to heal wounds contributes to maintaining
The patches are often itchy and painful and can
tissue integrity
appear anywhere on the body. But are most
DISORDERS OF THE INTEGUMENTARY common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk
SYSTEM TREATMENT OPTIONS
This system is susceptible to a variety of disorders, No cure for psoriasis. But there is some treatment
ranging from common skin conditions to serious like topical creams, light therapy, and medications
diseases. These disorders can affect the skin, hair,
and nails. LIFESTYLE FACTORS

ACNE Stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption can

worsen psoriasis symptoms
INFLAMMATION
SKIN CANCER
Acne is common skin condition that occurs when
hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead SUN EXPOSRE
skin cells
Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun
HORMONES increases the risk of developing skin cancer
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Integumentary System
ABNORMAL MOLES

Changes in moles, like size, shape, or color, can

be an early skin of skin cancer

FAMILY HISTORY

Having a family history of skin cancer increases

the risk of developing the disease

SKIN TYPE

People with fair skin, freckles, and a history of

sunburns are more susceptible to skin cancer

MELANOMA
DANGEROUS SKIN CANCER

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer.

It can spread to other parts of the body. This
spread is called metastasis

UV RADIATION EXPOSURE

Exposure to UV Radiation from the sun or tanning

is a major risk factors for melanoma. Prolonged
and intense exposure increases the risk

ABCD RULE

ABCD rules help identify Melanoma. It refers to

asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation,
and diameter of a mole

EARLY DETECTION IS CRCUCIAL

Early detection and treatment of melanoma are

critical for successful outcomes. Treatment options
include surgery, radiation therapy, and
chemotherapy

AGING
As we age, our skin undergoes changes. These
changes are due to a combination of factors,
including genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle