Understanding the Integral Role of the Integumentary System

884 Words2 Pages

The integumentary system is an organ system that is often overlooked when compared to other major organ systems. The importance of the integumentary system and its role in thermoregulation and its first line protection for the body is of utmost importance. The integumentary system includes the following organs: skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. Skin is a very large organ, and is the most important organ of the integumentary system. The surface area of skin is about 20 square feet, and weighs about 10 pounds. The importance of skin is to protect the body from UV light, chemical, disease and physical trauma that can occur to the body. The skin helps regulate body temperature. It does this through storage of adipose tissue and through secretions of sweat. It also allows for sensing touch, Different temperatures that the body comes into contact with are sensed and these messages are sent to the brain so that a reaction can occur in order to protect the body. A very important part of the integumentary system is that it is responsible for making vitamin D. Vitamin D is key in the function of calcium absorption.

Skin Skin has three layers. The superior part of the skin in the epidermis.
A medical professional, especially when treating a patient would need to know the location in reference to other organ structures. Many medications are given through subcutaneous injection and the medical professional needs to understand the exact location in which the medication needs to be injected into. For instance, insulin is given for diabetes. A medical professional would need to know that the injection is to be given subcutaneously. Another medication used often in the medical community is the TB test. This is to be injected intra-dermal. Medical practitioners must use correct anatomical positions in order to treat patients

More about Understanding the Integral Role of the Integumentary System

Open Document