Integumentary System and Albinism

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All organ system work together; in order to keep and support the conditions that the cells, tissues, and organs need to function properly. Each organ system has an important function in the body. There is one system that is not as well known as other; it is the integumentary system. Most people know the organs of the integumentary system, but they do not know that these organs work together to form this system.

The integumentary system is composed of the skin and the structures related to the skin, which include the hair, the finger nails, the sensory receptors and the glands (Shier, Butler, & Lewis, 2009). This system has an important function since it provides protection to the body, helps to maintain body temperature, and contains sensory receptors (p.117). The skin has essential function such as regulating homeostasis and body temperature, also delaying the loss of water from deeper tissues, storing sensory receptor, synthesizing biomechanical, and discharging waste from the body (p.117). The skin has two layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (inner layer) (p.117). There is also a subcutaneous layer or hypodermis (p.117). According to Shier, Butler, and Lewis 2009 “as its name indicates, this layer is beneath the skin and not a true layer of the skin” (p.117). This layer has the blood vessels that supply the skin (p.117).

The epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin, is made up of four to five layers in some parts (Shier, Butler, & Lewis, 2009). In the majority of the areas, just four layers can be differentiated: the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum (p.119). Another layer is the stratum lucidum which can be found in the thicker part of the skin of the palms and ...

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...be also highly affected in people with albinism. Usually people with albinism wait until the sunsets to go outside to do some of these activities. Some individuals with albinism have problems with emotional regulation skills which is mainly affected by the way society react to their looks.

We have no control over the genes we inherit or the disabilities that may occur, that is why is important that society is educated about the function of our organ system. For example the integumentary system that is not as known as other, but plays important roles maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, and keeping our hair and skin soft. We all have flaws and disabilities to a certain extent, for this reason it is important to be aware and understand these differences and how our bodies function, so that we can live and help others live a more productive life.

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