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Integumentary Homeostasis

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Submitted By adlawson2007
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What is homeostasis? Homeostasis is the ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes. (McGraw-Hill) How does the body maintain homeostatic balance? Each organ system helps in some way to maintain homeostasis. However, the organ systems also work together to maintain a constant internal environment. There are seven organ systems (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, and Nervous) within the body. (McGraw-Hill) I will specifically be focusing on the structure of the integumentary system, and how it contributes to maintaining homeostasis. The skin is the largest organ in the body (12 to 15% of total body weight). (McGraw-Hill) There are three layers to the skin; epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The dermis is a connective tissue layer that lies beneath the epidermis. The dermis contains nerve endings, sensory receptors, capillaries, and elastic fibers. (McGraw-Hill) Skin isn’t the only appendage of the integumentary system; hair, follicles, nails, and glands are as well. Hair follicles are lined with cells that synthesize the proteins that produce hair. Sebaceous glands secrete the oily substance on hair. If a sebaceous gland becomes clogged and infected, it becomes a pimple (homeostatic imbalance). (Marieb) There are two types of sweat glands associated with the integumentary system; eccrine (all over the body), and aprocrine (smelly sweat). Nails consist of highly keratinized epidermal cells. The nails arise from the nail bed. What does the integumentary system do to help with in maintaining homeostasis? The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis, including protection, temperature regulation, sensory reception, biochemical synthesis, and absorption. The skins primary functions are to serve as a barrier to the entry of microbes,

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