![]() Ohhhh lordy, the integumentary system (pronounced [in-teg-yuh-men-tuh-ree]) ! Ufffffff. What a system! The integumentary system protects, experiences, regulates, excretes and synthesizes. In some ways, this is the system I am most intimate with. This system is what separates me from the outside world and through it I experience my life. I also tend to this system- I do things that support its healing like when I get a cut on my hand or when I observe it as hair sprouts or changes color, freckles darken, and lines appear. I marvel at its changes as I marvel at the changing seasons. My skin is my living, evolving personal landscape. Covered in bacteria, a garden of healthy support, and built to sustain me for some time - it both simultaneously protects me from danger and yet - with the right caress or touch- ignites my passion! OOoooo eeeee! The Integumentary System is the largest body system and includes the skin (also called integument) and the skin's appendages - the hair, nails and certain glands. The integumentary system performs many vital functions: - protection of inner body structures -sensory perception -regulation of body temperature -excretion of some body fluids -synthesis of vitamin D The Layers of the Skin
The Epidermis is the outermost layer and varies in thickness from less than 0.1 mm on the eyelids to more than 1 mm on the palms and soles. It's our translucent shield and allows light to pass partially through it. I was surprised to discover that the epidermis is composed of various other layers that are distinct sections and are named for their structure and function: -The stratum corneum - (or horny layer... hehe) is the outermost layer and is comprised of fierce, tightly arranged layers of cellular membranes. -The stratum lucidum - (or clear layer) blocks water penetration or loss. Not everyone has this layer and some folks with thin skin are missing it. -The stratum granulosum - (or granular layer) forms keratin and again, is missing in some thin skinned folks. -The stratum spinosum - (or spiny layer) also helps with keratin formation and is rich in ribonucleic acid. -The stratum basale - (basal layer) is the deepest layer of the epidermis and produces new cells to replace the superficial keratinized cells that are continuously shed or worn away. The dermis, also called the corium, is the skin's second layer. It's an elastic sysem that contains and supports blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, and the epidermal appendages. This section of our skin contains collagen that gives strength and resilience to the dermis AND it has elastic fibers that bind the collagen and make the skin flexible. The dermis is what gives our skin strength, structure and elasticity. The subcutaneous tissue is the third layer of our skin and it's allll about fat. It contains adipose cells which are filled with luscious fat and this section of the skin also contains larger blood vessels and nerves. This section sits on our muscles and bones of our body and is known for helping with insulation, shock absorption and storage of energy reserves. Accessory structures of the skin include hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. These structures embryologically originate from the epidermis and can extend down through the dermis into the hypodermis Here are my notes on the accessory structures of the skin and the functions of each:
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AuthorThe adventures, studies, and musings of a student at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism.
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