Essay On The Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the bodies interface with the outside world, as such it serves to protect the body from outside elements. In addition, it is the largest organ system, it also serves as other important functions for the body both independently and in conjunction with other body systems. The integumentary system consist of three key layers of tissue these layers are the cutaneous membrane which is the outer layer or epidermis, and deep to that is the dermis below the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue also known as the hypodermis that consist mostly of fat loose connective, active and adipose tissue that bind skin to the underlying organs. It helps disperse the forces so it’s not under pressure on the other layers of the skin, it also protects the body against outside injury as well as provides a thermal installation to protect it from the extremes of temperature in the environment.

The second layer; the dermis provides a lot of elasticity in the skin therefore when the skin stretches it recoils back into shape due to the physical properties of the dermis. The dermis comprise of one main cell top which is the fibroblast; the fibers that it make are elastic fibers, and collagen fibers these fibers are very strong and they intersburst throughout the layers of the dermis which provide the skin with a lot of its physical properties. The outer most layer of the skin is the epidermis and the epidermis is a renewing layer of cells which is very important. If the body suffers a fall and scuffs it’s knee it need to regenerate those skin cells that were damaged. Within the epidermis there are keratinisasi which are skin cells that are constantly renewing at the base of the epidermis in the basal layer.

Although the skin has ma...

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...A personal experience by Maxine. Vitiligo has been my constant companion for more than 50 years and is an integral part of who I am. Although at times it has almost overwhelmed me and there have been many troughs of despair, especially when I was younger, it has contributed in great measure to my achievements and my ability to empathize with people with skin disease and disfigurements. Many people with vitiligo find it difficult to form relationships and are concerned about the possibility of passing the disease on to their children. I was no exception. I met the man who became my husband during my post graduate teacher training course. It was very difficult for me to tell him about my vitiligo as I was convinced he would walk away to my amazement he asked me to marry him. We now have 2 children and two grandsons, none of whom have so far shown any signs vitiligo.