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The integumentary system is the organ system that protects the body from damage, comprising the skin and its appendages (including hair, scales, feathers, hoofs, and nails). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; it may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate temperature, and is the attachment site for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature. In most terrestrial vertebrates with significant exposure to sunlight, the integumentary system also provides for vitamin D synthesis.

Functions

The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the body. The skin has an important job of protecting the body and acts as the body’s first line of defense against infection, temperature change, and other challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:

• Protect the body’s internal living tissues and organs
• Protect against invasion by infectious organisms
• Protect the body from dehydration
• Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis
• Help excrete waste materials through perspiration
• Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory system)
• Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin
• Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light
• Store water, fat, glucose, and vitamin D
• Maintenance of the body form
• Formation of new cells from stratum germinativum to repair minor injuries
• Aid in physical examination as color of the skin may indicate many conditions e.g. it becomes yellowish in jaundice

Diseases and injuries

Possible diseases and injuries to the human integumentary system include:

• Rash
• Blister
• Athlete's foot
• Infection
• Sunburn
• Skin cancer
• Albinism
• Acne
• Herpes
• Cold Sores
• Mosquito bites
• Impetigo
• Rubella
• STD
• Cancer

References

1. Integumentary+System at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
2. Marieb, Elaine (2007). Human Anatomy & Physiology (7th ed.). Pearson Benjamin Cummings. p. 142. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Integumentary system
• Organ systems