The Integumentary System
Major Function
The major function of the integumentary system is to surround the body and protect it from influences outside of the body. Fun Facts
-A large amount of dust is actually from dead human skin cells -Skin is the largest organ in the human body -Humans shed an average of 40 pounds of skin cells in their lifetime -The human body has a whole new layer of skin every month Humans shed 30,000-40,000 skin cells a minute Diseases
Acne Vulgaris: Results from an increased level of androgens that cause oil glands to oversecrete Alopecia: Causes the body to attack hair follicles, and causes baldness Basal Cell Carcinoma: The growth of abnormal skin cells, the most common type of skin cancer |
Major Organ
The major organ of the integumentary system is the skin. The skin's major functions are to provide resistance to trauma and infection, provide a water and UV barrier, vitamin D synthesis, sensation, thermoregulation, and social functions. Location
The integumentary system covers the entire surface of the body, (the skin) as well as the hair, the nails, and cutaneous glands. |