Integumentary System (Skin)

I don't believe that the Integumentary System gets enough credit. What in the world is the Integumentary System you ask? Well, it includes something on your body that you see every day. Your skin!


The skin is the body's largest organ. Through your skin, your brain receives a lot of information about the environment. 


Your skin is made up of 2 layers of tissue called the epidermis and the dermis.

The epidermis is the surface layer of the skin. The cells on the top of the epidermis are dead. Thousands of these cells rub off every time you take a shower, shake hands, blow your nose, or scratch your elbow. New cells are constantly produced at the bottom of the epidermis that eventually replace the ones that are rubbed off.


Cells in the epidermis produce the chemical melanin. 

Melanin is a pigment that gives your skin color. The more melanin, the darker your skin color is. Melanin increases when your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. 

The dermis is the layer of tissue under the epidermis. This layer is thicker than the top layer (epidermis) and contains many blood vessels, nerves, and oil and sweat glands. Your fat cells are located under the dermis.


Your skin isn't just the largest organ of your body. It also carries out several major functions. These functions include protection, sensory response, formation of vitamin D in the presence of sunlight, regulation of body temperature, and the excretion of wastes. The most important of these functions is that the skin protects your body. That way it prevents physical and chemical injury as well.


To take care of your Integumentary System, be sure to bathe or shower regularly

drink lots of water,

and be sure to wear sunscreen when out in the sun!

Pictures found at-

http://www.drugs.com/enc/image_pages/19679.html  (top picture)

 http://fcs-sarasota.blogspot.com/2011/05/importance-of-drinking-water.html  (water bottle)

http://www.empowernetwork.com/brucebui/why-should-you-adopt-contrast-shower/ (shower/bath)

http://dgfvbd.110mb.com/  (sunscreen)

http://www.realage.com/beauty-skin-care/anatomy-of-the-skin  (dermis/epidermis)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/8669.htm  (melanin)

http://missybeautimus.deviantart.com/art/Cute-Sun-154636299  (sun)