Integumentary System

By Mrs. Walker

System Functions

Protects the body’s internal living tissues and organs

Protects against invasion by infectious organisms

Helps regulate body temperature

Major Components

SkinHairNailsGlandsNerves

Exploring the System

The skin plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis:

Hairs on the skin trap warmth Glands under the skin secrete sweat onto the

surface of the skin in order to increase heat loss if the body is too hot

Capillaries near the surface can open when your body needs to cool off and close when you need to conserve heat

Interrelationships

The skin works with other body systems to keep the body functioning properly

Circulatory System – because of capillaries below the skin's surface, patches can be used to deliver medications through the skin into the blood for things such as heart problems

Interrelationships

The skin works with other body systems to keep the body functioning properly

Neurons embedded in the skin are used to send signals to the spinal cord and then to the brain

Ex. – touching a hot stove, or stumping your toe