The Skin Is an Organ System

The integumentary system is composed

of the skin and its derivatives
Provides physical and chemical protection,
prevents water loss, regulates body
temperature, synthesizes vitamin D, receives
stimuli, and is an organ of excretion

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The Skin Is an Organ System

The skin is made of two layers
The epidermis
Thin outer layer
The dermis
Thicker inner layer containing nerves,
blood vessels, and glands

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.

Epidermis
Epidermis consists of several layers of
epithelial cells

Avascular tissue
Deepest layer contains rapidly dividing cells
Outer surface is made up of dead skin cells
Protective properties come from keratin

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.

Dermis
The dermis consists primarily of
connective tissue
Vascular Tissue
Does not wear away
Collagen and elastic fibers are found in the
lower layer, which allows the skin to stretch
and return to its original shape
Hair, oil glands, sweat glands

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.

Hypodermis
The hypodermis
A layer of loose connective tissue beneath
the dermis and epidermis connecting it to
other tissues

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.