Functions of the Integumentary System

Sebaceous gland

The skin also contains millions of ____________ ____________ that secrete oil for the lubrication of the skin. The oil helps to prevent the skin from drying out, which helps the skin maintain its integrity and strength

Sweat glands

The skin contains million of sweat glands that secrete perspiration (sweat) when needed to regulate body temperature. Perspiration is composed of water and small amounts of salt and other substances

Physical damage

The skin is a relatively strong physical barrier, especially on parts of the body that tend to come in contact with damaging substances, such as the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. You can even build your skin up if you need to, such as when you build calluses on your hands after continued use.

UV radiation

The skin protects you against damaging ___ ______________ from the sun. Although it is important to use sunscreen when you're out in the sun for long periods of time to help the skin do it's job, think about all of the kind of damage your internal tissues might incur if you didn't have the skins protection at all

When the body's temperature rises...

Blood vessels constrict, which reduces the heat released at the surface and conserves body heat. Additionally the small muscles that control the hair on the skin and strict, causing the hairs to stand up and form an insulating layer on the surface of the skin

Secretion

Finally, the skin helps the body to secrete substances to help maintain homeostasis. Sweat and sebaceous glands.

Protection

First important function of the integumentary system

Sensory reception

In addition to protection and temperature control, the skin contains millions of nerve endings that allow you to sense heat, cold, pain, pressure, textures, pain, and so forth. The integumentary system must work closely with the nervous system to accomplish this function

Skin protects you from three main types of damage:

Physical damage, microbes, and UV radiation

In addition to protection, the skin provides homeostasis

Regulating body temperature. The body works best at an optimal temperature of 98.6°. If the body's temperature increases or decreases too much away from 98.6°, it can become damaged or even die.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Serious consequences of the body's temperature rising too hot. Both of these conditions can be fail

Absorption function of the skin

This function is especially important when you need to absorb transdermal medications, such as in and ointment or medicated patch.

Cardiovascular system

To keep the body from straying too far from its optimal temperature, the skin works with the __________________ __________________ to regulate to release or conservation of heat.

Hypothermia

When the body's temperature falls to low

Microbes

When the physical barrier of the skin is compromised and becomes damaged - as from a cut, burn, or something more serious - the body loses its first line of defense to foreign bodies and _________. The skin provides a protective barrier for the internal structures of the body. Think of all the invaders and your environment that can cause problems for your body - bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, many types of pollutants.