The Integumentary System consists of the skin and its accessories. It is the largest organ system in the human body. Its main function is to act like a barrier to protect the body from the outside world. It also retains body fluids, eliminate waste, protect against disease, and regulate body temperature.
The Integumentary System has two layers: epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is the most superficial. It consists of 5 layers: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum, spinosum, and stratum basale. This is only in thick skin which is found only on palms and the soles of your feet. In thin skin, the stratum lucidum is not present. The stratum basale is the site of mitosis. The blood supply to the epidermis is the subpapillary plexus.
The dermis is located right under the epidermis. It has two layers: papillary and reticular. The papillary layer is more superficial. It contains areolar tissue. The reticular layer contains connective tissue. The blood supply to the dermis is the cutaneous plexus (cutaneous meaning skin).
The hypodermis is not considered part of the skin. It is made up of areolar tissue and adipose (fat) tissue. It is known as the subcutaneous layer (below the skin). It acts as a energy reserve for the skin.
This diagram is very important to learn. It can help to memorize it.Lesson 1 End
No comments:
Post a Comment