PARAMEDICS – PART 2

Previous Quiz
Next Quiz

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

The integumentary system is the body’s outer protective layer, primarily composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands. It serves essential functions, including protection against pathogens, regulation of body temperature, and sensory perception. Additionally, it aids in vitamin D synthesis, contributing to overall health and homeostasis by maintaining the body’s internal environment.

Skin:The skin is the largest organ of the body, with multiple layers that provide protection, regulate temperature and enable sensory perception. It consists of three primary layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (subcutaneous layer). The epidermis, made up of keratinized cells, forms a waterproof barrier, while the dermis contains connective tissue, hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings. The hypodermis, composed mainly of fat and connective tissue, insulates the body and protect the underlaying organs.
Hair and nails:  Hair and nails are both composed of keratin, a tough, protective protein. Hair provides insulation, protection from UV radiation and sensory input. It also plays a role in social and sexual communication. Nails protect the tips of fingers and toes, enhance fine motor skills and assist in grasping objects.
Glands:  The integumentary system includes various glands, such as sweat glands, sebaceous (oil) glands, and mammary glands. Sweat glands help regulate body temperature by releasing sweat, which cools the body as it evaporates. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. Mammary glands, present in females, produce milk to nourish infants.
Blood vessels:  Blood vessels’ main task is to equip the cells with the required nutrients and to remove all the waste products. They are placed in the dermis and hypodermis layer of the skin.
Nerves:  Nerves all over a human body, are one of the most important survival mechanism, providing the sense of feeling and touch to the organism. They contain sensory receptors and altogether they constitute a web sending short but very clear information to the brain or spinal cord via system of electrical signals.