The Integumentary System
Dr Vivek
Integumentary System
• The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body that
forms a physical barrier between the external environment and
the internal environment that it serves to protect and maintain.
• It includes the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, associated
glands, hair, and nails.
• It performs many intricate functions such as body temperature
regulation, cell fluid maintenance, synthesis of Vitamin D, and
detection of stimuli.
Components of Integumentary system
• Skin : Made up of two layers.
1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
• The epidermis is the tough outer layer that acts as the first line
of defense against the external environment. It is composed of
stratified squamous epithelial cells that further break down into
four to five layers.
Layers of Epidermis
• Stratum corneum
• Stratum lucidum : Present in palm and soles where skin is thicker.
• Stratum granulosum
• Stratum spinosum
• Stratum Basale
• The epidermis regenerates from stem cells located in the basal
layer that grow up towards the corneum. The epidermis itself is
devoid of blood supply and derives its nutrition from the
underlying dermis.
• The dermis is the underlying connective tissue framework that
supports the epidermis.
• subdivides into two layers—the superficial papillary dermis and the
deep reticular layer.
• The papillary layer forms finger-like projections into the epidermis,
known as dermal papillae, and consists of highly vascularized, loose
connective tissue.
• The reticular layer has dense connective tissue that forms a strong
network. The dermis as a whole contains blood and lymph vessels,
nerves, sweat glands, hair follicles, and various other structures
embedded within the connective tissue.
Hypodermis
• The hypodermis lies between the dermis and underlying organs. It is
commonly referred to as subcutaneous tissue and is composed of loose
areolar tissue and adipose tissue.
• This layer provides additional cushion and insulation through its fat
storage function and connects the skin to underlying structures such as
muscle.
Hair
• Hair is derived from the epidermis but grows its roots deep into the
dermis. Its structure divides into the externally visible hair shaft and
the hair follicle within the skin.
• Hair serves as mechanical protection for the skin, increases sensory
function, and aids in regulating body temperature. Arrector pili
muscles located in the dermis attach to hair follicles, helping the shaft
to stand and trap air close to the epidermis for temperature control.
Nails
• Nails form as layers of keratin and appear at the dorsal tips of the
fingers and toes.
• Nails function to protect the fingers and toes while increasing the
precision of movements and enhancing sensation.
• Associated Glands: There are four types of exocrine glands within
human skin—sudoriferous, sebaceous, ceruminous, and mammary
glands.
Function of Integumentary System
• Physical protection
• Immunity
• Wound Healing
• Vitamin D synthesis
• Regulation of body temperature
• Sensation
• The integumentary system provides numerous functions necessary
for human life while also maintaining an optimal internal
environment for other critical components to thrive.
• When there is an imbalance in this system, any of the disorders
mentioned above can manifest. The integumentary system also
reflects underlying pathologies such as showing jaundice with liver
disfunction, displaying petechiae with thrombocytopenia or
decreased skin turgor with dehydration.
• It is a system that can provide many external clues regarding an
individual’s physiological state and is a vital component of a
complete clinical picture.
Thank you
