INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Sometimes called the cutaneous membrane or the integument, which covers

the entire surface of the human body.

It is the largest organ in the human body. It is important to note that the skin is

an organ, comprised of all four tissue types: multiple layers of epithelial,

connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Because the skin has several
2 LAYERS
accessory organs, it is also technically an organ system, sometimes referred to as
1. Epidermis- The epidermis is the outer and thinner layer of the skin. made out
the integumentary system.
of epithelial tissues.
Includes skin and skin derivatives- hair, nails, and glands (Accessory Structures
2. Dermis- Inner and thicker layer.
of the Skin)
Subcutaneous Adipose Layer (Hypodermis) - (not part of the 2 layer, just part)
MAIN FUNCTION: Protection that the skin gives to underlying tissues
- beneath the dermis, attaches the skin to underlying tissues and organs.
MADE UP OF 2 PARTS

ANATOMY OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

1. Cutaneous membrane (SKIN)

 Epidermis
The skin is composed of two kinds of tissue: the outer epidermis and the
 Dermis
underlying dermis.
2. Accessory Structures- originate in the dermis and extent through epidermis of

the skin surface. EPIDERMIS

 Hair
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that provides a waterproof barrier
 Nails
and creates our skin tone.
 Multicellular Exocrine glands

 subcutaneous or hypodermis
 Avascular (no blood supply of its own) stratified squamous
FUNCTONS OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM epithelium. It is divided into 5 separate layer/ strata.

 The outer thinner portion which is composed of epithelial tissue

1. Protection- against abrasion and ultra violet light, prevents entry of

 Covers, protects, and waterproofs.

microorganisms and dehydration by reducing water loss from the body.

Skin is the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses.

2. Sensation- has sensory receptors that can detect heat, cold, pressure and

pain.

3. Vitamin D Production- when exposed to UV, skin produces molecule that can

be transformed into Vitamin D.

4. Temperature Regulation- controlling blood flow through the skin and the

activity of sweat gland. Protects body against abrupt changes

5. Excretion- small amount of waste products are lost through the skin and gland

excretion.
Here, epidermal stem cells constantly divide and produce new cells that are
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE INTEGUMENTARY pushed to the surface of the epidermis in two to four weeks. As the cells move
SYSTEM away from the dermis, they get progressively farther away from the blood vessels

DERMATOLOGY- medical specialty for diagnosis and treatment Deepest part of Epidermis contains Melanocytes. These cells produce
o
Melanin, that gives skin its color.
disorders of the integumentary system.
Epidermis, the outer layer of skin is composed of several distinct layers
and each layers have unique functions from deep to superficial
in the dermis. Because these cells are not being supplied with nutrients and

oxygen (since epidermis lacks blood vessels), they eventually die and are

sloughed off.
1. STRATUM BASALE/ STRATUM GERMINATIVUM

The basal cells of the stratum basale lie just superficial to the dermis. basale-

base. also contains melanocytes. these cells produce melanin which gives the

skin its color inside melanosomes (organelle which melanin is synthesized)

The deepest layer of the epidermis, the stratum basale, lies closest to the

dermis and is connected to it along a wavy a borderline that resembles

corrugated cardboard; this basal layer contains epidermal cells that receive the

most adequate nourishment via diffusion of nutrients from the dermis.

Germative Layer. Deepest stratum. Same with stratum basale. Forms a strong 3. STRATUM GRANULOSUM

bond between epidermis and dermis. Consists of cuboidal or columnar cells that
Stratum Granulosum cells are flattened cells that get their name from the dark-
undergo mitotic division. Forms epidermal ridges ( extension of epidermis into
staining protein granules found in their cytoplasm. Their name is derived
dermis.) and dermal papillae (extensions of the dermis to the epidermis) provides
from their spiny appearance, which is created by keratin filaments. These
increase surface area for the epidermis and dermis to connect. DUCTS- pores of
cells contain still more keratin than stratum spinosum cells. Stratum granulosum
the sweat gland.
cells are tightly sealed together and form an effective barrier. The grainy layer.

Water-proofing layer of skin that prevents fluid loss found above Stratum

Keratinocytes – protein that helps form hair, nails, and skin Spinosum. 3-5 layers of flattened Keratinocytes
outer layer
accumulate dense basophilic keratohyalin granules. These granules contain
Merkel cells – found at the base of the outermost layer of
lipids, which along with the desmosomal connections, help to form a waterproof
epidermis. Touch receptors
barrier that functions to prevent fluid loss from the body.

4. STRATUM LUCIDUM

Aka CLEAR LAYER. It occurs only where the skin is hairless and extra thick, that

is, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Responsible for capability of

skin to stretch. Composed of dead skin cells.

Covers stratum granulosum. Not present on hairy skin, only the thick skin of the

palm and soles has this layer. Contains intermediate substance that was formed

from keratohyalin which continually transformed to keratin. UV Exposure = Dead

Dermal Papilla Cells
Skin Cells
- extension of dermis to epidermis forming ridges of palms and feet

- Epidermal Ridges: lines in palm

As you examine your skin, you can likely identify areas where constant abrasion
2. STRATUM SPINOSUM
has created calluses. These are areas where the epidermis has formed stratum
Stratum Spinosum cells can reproduce by mitosis. The spiny layer that lucidum, just deep to the stratum corneum. This additional layer is found only in
contains dendritic cells, Langerhans cells for active immune response. These thick skin: the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, elbows, etc. In these areas,
cells are indisputably ALIVE, indeed they are migrating, or being pushed, both the stratum lucidum and an extra-thick layer of stratum corneum provide
upwards. protection from constant friction. Also called Clear layer.

Function: Their function is to allow keratinocytes to mature. Finally, they die, forming the clear stratum lucidum; this latter epidermal layer is

not present in all skin regions, it occurs only where the skin is hairless and extra
Langerhan Cells: active in immunoresponse
thick, that is, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Keratinization: newly formed cells experience development when these cells are
5. STRATUM CORNEUM
pushed from the base layer to surface. As the cell relocate, they build up Keratin

As cells are pushed toward the surface of the skin, they become flat and hard,

forming the tough, uppermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum.

Hardening is caused by keratinization of the entire cell, which causes the

uppermost cell layers of the epidermis. to die. We constantly shed these dead
3. LANGERHANS CELLS- (involve in immune responses, arise from bone
cells throughout our environment. Over much of the body, keratinization is
marrow) are macrophages found deep in the epidermis. Macrophages are a type
minimal. However, in areas containing an underlying stratum lucidum, a
of white blood cell (leukocyte). These cells phagocytize microbes and then travel
particularly thick layer of dead, keratinized cells affords extra protection. The
to lymphatic organs, where they stimulate the immune system to react.
waterproof nature of keratin protects the body from water loss and water gain.

The stratum corneum allows us to live in a desert or a tropical rain forest without 4. MERKEL CELLS- (which function in the sensation of touch along with the

damaging our inner cells. The stratum corneum also serves as a mechanical adjacent tactile disc) Sensory nerves also supply the stratum basale. Free nerve

barrier against microbe invasion. This protective function of skin is assisted by the endings supply pain and temperature sensations to the brain. Tactile cells (also

secretions of sebaceous glands. Also known as Horny layer. Composed of dead called Merkel cells) signal the brain that an object has touched the skin.

keratin filled cells that have migrated upward from the basal layer.

The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, is 20 to 30 cells layers thick but it

accounts for about three-quarters of epidermal thickness; it rubs and flakes off

slowly and steadily as the dandruff familiar to everyone; then, this layer is

replaced by cells produced by the division of the deeper stratum basale cells.

Corneocytes – dead Keratinocytes. Make up most of the outer layer of human skin.
The outermost cells are dead, and made mostly of the protein keratin, and are
continually shed, to be replaced.

DERMIS

 Located between epidermis and subcutaneous layer.

 Anchors epidermal accessory structures (hair follicles and sweat

glands)
 consists of connective tissue. providing structural support
 Two Components

1. Papillary Layer- superficial layer of dermis, directly beneath the

epidermis) consist of loose connective tissue containing thin collagen

and elastic fibers. Dermal papillae extend to epidermis forming ridges

FOUR MAJOR TYPES OF CELL IN EPIDERMIS and valleys. corbosols of touch and pain nerve ending.

2. Reticular Layer- deeper and thicker layer of the dermis located

1. KERATINOCYTES (90% of the cells produce keratin which is a tough fibrous

protein that provides protection) are the most numerous cells in the stratum Why is there dermal ridges? Dermal papilla contains capillaries. These capillaries
supply nutrients and oxygen to epidermis and sensory receptors
basale. As their name suggests, keratinocytes produce and store a thick

waterproof protein called keratin. It is a type of fibrous protein that makes the beneath the papillary dermis. consists of dense irregular

epidermis a top protective layer. These sturdy cells form a barrier between the connective tissue containing collagen, and elastic fibers, adipose

outer environment and the body. As keratinocytes move superficially into the cells, hair follicles, nerves, sebaceous glands, nervous tissue, sweat

stratum spinosum layer, they enlarge by packing in additional keratin and other glands. Stray or Stretch marks appear if the skin is stretch too much.

types of protein. Vascularized. Where glands originated

2. MELANOCYTES- (which produce the pigment melanin that protects against have several important characteristics, they are composed of Connective Tissue

damage by ultraviolet radiation) are another type of specialized cell located in the containing collagen and elastic fibers.

deeper epidermis. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment primarily

responsible for skin and hair color. Because the number of melanocytes is

about the same in all individuals, variation in skin color is due to the amount of

melanin produced and its distribution. When skin is exposed to the sun,

melanocytes produce more melanin to protect the skin from the damaging effects

of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight.

Melanogenesis – Melanocytes produces Melanin

 The difference of skin color between light and dark pigment

Apocrine Glands- Usually larger than eccrine glands, and their ducts empty into

hair follicles. their secretion consists of fatty acids and proteins as well as all

substances present in eccrine secretion. so they begin to function during puberty

under the influence of androgens and they also play a minimal role in intermo

regulation. Scent glands, may odor, when secretion combines with bacteria

 Found in axilla and genital area.

 Respond to stress; secrete pheromones, a substance with a barely

perceptible odor; when apocrine secretions react with bacteria, body

odor results.
 Ceruminous glands are a type of apocrine gland found in the

external ear canal.

 they secrete cerumen, which prevents drying of the ear drum and

traps foreign substance.

SWEAT GLANDS/PSEUDORIFERUS GLANDS

Most numerous on palms of hands and soles of feet. Mostly found in the dermis
SEBACEOUS GLANDS/ OIL GLANDS

area.
Found all over the skin except on the palms of the hands and the soles of the

feet. their ducts usually empty into a hair follicle (follicular duct), the product of the

sebaceous glands which is the sebum is a mixture of oily substances and

fragmented cells, it is a lubricant that keeps the skin soft and moist and prevents

the hair from becoming brittle.

 Produce sebum, which lubricates and protects skin and hair.

 Usually attached to hair follicles and release a fatty substance,

sebum, into the follicular duct and thence to the surface of the

skin.

HYPODERMIS

Below the skin composed of loose connective tissue, including adipose (fat)
TWO TYPES
tissue

Eccrine Glands- Far more numerous, found all over the body. they produce
Store energy. as you age, hypodermis decrease in size, causes the skin to sag.
sweat clear secretion that is primarily water plus some electrocytes, vitamin C,

trace of metabolic waste and lactic acid and eccrine glands are also a part of  Connective Tissue (connects skin to muscles; contains white blood

body’s heat regulating equipment. cells)

 Adipose Tissue (contains stored energy, cushions bony prominences,
 Respond to external temperature and physiological stress.
provides insulation)
 Found over most of body but most numerous on palms of hands and

soles of feet; secrete sweat, which helps regulate body temperature

and, to a lesser degree, excretes waste such as urea. ACCESSORY STRUCTURES OF THE SKIN

 Include hair, and nails.

 Hairs (pili) have a number of important functions;

1. Protection – protect body from external elements

2. Reduction of heat loss – hair as an insulator

3. Sensing light touch. – hair follicles have sensory nerve fibers

THE HAIR

 The hair is also made up of keratinized cells.

  Keratinization: hair cells die and dead cells and keratin from shaft of 2. Hair Root – which penetrates into the skin. part of hair that is enclosed in the

hair follicle which is the root. Each hair root is connected to arrector pili: type of

smooth muscle that contracts in response to nerve signals from sympathetic

nervous system causing external hair stand up

3. Hair follicle- compound structure. Tunnel shaped structure situated in

epidermis.

4. Hair papilla- provides the blood supply to the matrix in the hair foll. Regulate

cycle of hair growth

5. Hair bulb – base of hair follicle

6. Hair erector muscle- small bonds of smooth muscle cells. Connect each side

of the hair follicle to the dermal tissue when these muscles contract the hair is

called up right dimpling the skin surface with goose bumps.

NAILS
1. VELLUS FOLLICLE- which is short, pale, and fine hair, is located over all the

body. Develops during childhood. As you grow old, some vellus hair become
Scale like modification of the epidermis that corresponds to the hook or claw of
terminal.
other animals.

2. TERMINAL HAIRS- which are dark and coarse, are found on the scalp, brows,  Composed of hard keratinized epidermal cells located over the

and after puberty, on the legs, axillae, and perineum. dorsals (harap) surfaces at the end of the fingers and toes.

Each nails consist of free edge, transparent nail body/ plate with a whitish
HAIR CONSISTS OF:
lunula at its base and then the nail root embedded in fold of skin.

A hair is produced by a hair follicle and is a flexible epithelial structure. the hair is  Each nails consists of:

formed by division of well nourished stratum basale epithelial cells in the matrix or 1. Free edge

in the growths known of the hair bulbs at the inferior end of the follicle. 2. Transparent nail body (plate) – (visibly attached portion and the

Composition: each hair is made up of a cental pole called medala (surrounded by root embedded in the skin) with a whitish lunula at its base. Nails

a bulky cortex( which is cuticle (heavily keratinized region, it provides strength folds, the borders of the nail are overlaps by the skin folds called nail

and helps keep the inner hair layer tightly compacted.) is enclosed by an outer folds.) Cuticle, thick proximal nail folds is commonly called the cuticle.

most cuticle formed by a single layer of cells that overlap one another like roof. Nail bed/body- stratum basale of the epidermis extends beneath the

this arrangement helps to keep the hairs apart and keep them from mating) layer) skin as the nail bed. Nail Matrix, thickened proximal area, responsible

Hair pigment is made by melanocytes in the hair bulb. varying amounts of for nail growth.

different types of melanin combine to produce all variety of hair color to pale blond 3. Nail root embedded in a fold of skin

to peach black. Nails are transparent and nearly colorless but they look pink because of the rich

blood supply in the underlying dermis. Lunula the exeption to the pinkish color

is the region over thickened nail matrix that appears as a white crescent.

Lunula – whiting shaft/half moon base of nail

Cuticle – overlapping epidermis around the nail
Nail Plate – nail progresses as it grow. Composed of compacted keratinized cells
Matrix – produces keratin cells that make up nail plate
Nail Bed – beneath nail plate and provide support and nourishment

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKIN COLOR

1. Hair Shaft – which mostly projects above the surface of the skin. it is a part

projecting from the surface of the scalp or skin which is called shaft.
1. Melanin. The amount of and kind of yellow reddish brown or black of melanin 1. Onychatrophia

in the epidermis. - wasting away of the nail plate / Lack of nutrients/ Aging

2. Carotene. amount of carotene deposited in the stratum corneum and - Consult a dermatologist or healthcare professionals.

subcutaneous tissue. is an orange yellow pigment abundant in carrot and other 2. Leuconychia

orange, deep yellow, or leafy green vegetables skin tends to take yellow orange - White spots on nails / Hereditary

cast when the person eats large amount of carotene rich food. - Caused by tiny bubbles of air that are trapped in the nail plate layers due to

3. Hemoglobin. amount of oxygen rich in hemoglobin in the dermal blood trauma.

vessels. • True Leukonychia (Causes)

4. Emotions. - Nutritional deficiencies, particularly zinc or protein deficiency.

5. Redness or erythema. fever, hypertension, inflammation, allergy. - Trauma or injury to the nail matrix.

6. Pallor or blanching. pale skin signifies anemia, low blood pressure. - Infections, such as fungal infections of the nails

7. Jaundice or a yellow cast. abnormal yellow skin tone usually signifies a liver (onychomycosis)

disorder. excess bile pigments - Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

8. Bruises or black-and-blue marks. clotted blood bruises. - Systemic diseases, including liver disease, kidney disease or

HAIR GROWTH CYCLE thyroid disorders.

• Apparent Leukonychia (Causes)

At any given time, a random number of hairs will be in one of three stages of
- Minor trauma or injury to the nails, such as banging the nails

against hard surface or excessive manicuring.

growth and shedding: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

Anagen- Active phase of hair, the cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly.
- Mail biting

a new hair is formed and pushes the clod hair or a hair that stopped growing, and
- Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals or detergents.

3. Pterygium
is no longer in the anagen phase of the follicle and is eventually out.
- It is an overgrowth of cuticle which sticks to the surface of nail plate.
Catagen- The transitional stage. the growth stops and the outer root shrinks and

attaches to the root of the hair.

4. Brittle Nail
Telogen- resting phase during this phase the hair follicle is completely at rest and
- A vertical splitting or separation of the nail plate layers at the distal (free)
the clog hair is completely formed.
edge of the nail plate.

5. Bruised nail
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM - A condition in which blood clot forms under the nail plate, forming a dark

purplish spot
The integumentary system performs many protective functions.

COMMON TYPES OF SKIN DISORDER, SYMPTOMS,

1. The INTACT SKIN plays an important role in preventing water loss because
TREATMENTS AND PREVENTION
its lipids act as a barrier to the diffusion of water.
1. Acne
2. The skin prevents the entry of microorganisms and other foreign
- excess oil production causes clogged pores
substances into the body. Secretions from skin glands also produce an
- puberty due to hormonal changes
environment unsuitable for some microorganisms. Treatment: Over-the-counter topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide,
3. The STRATIFIED SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM of the skin protects underlying salicylic acid, or retinoids. Prescription medications like antibiotics or oral
structures against abrasion. contraceptives may be needed for severe cases.

4. MELANIN absorbs ultraviolet light and protects underlying structures from its Causes: Excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal changes, and

damaging effects. genetics.

Prevention: Proper skincare routine including gentle cleansing, avoiding picking
5. Hair provides protection in several ways; the HAIR ON THE HEAD acts as a
or squeezing pimples, and managing stress levels.
heat insulator, EYEBROWS keep sweat out of the eyes; EYELASHES protect
2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
the eyes from foreign objects, and HAIR IN THE NOSE AND EARS prevents
- red, itchy, and inflamed skin
the entry of dust and other materials.
- common in children
6. The NAILS protect the ends of the digits from damage and can be used in
Treatment: Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and in severe
defense. cases, immunosuppressants or phototherapy.
Causes: Genetic predisposition, environmental triggers (such as allergens,

NAIL DISORDERS irritants, or stress), and abnormalities in the immune system.

Prevention: Avoiding triggers like harsh soaps, detergents, certain fabrics, and
maintaining good skincare practices.
3. Psoriasis
- body surfaces typically sa scalp
Treatment: Topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, retinoids, phototherapy,
and systemic medications (like methotrexate or biologics).
Causes: Genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and environmental
triggers.
Prevention: Avoiding triggers such as stress, injury to the skin, infections, and
certain medications.
4. Fungal Infections (Ringworm)
- cause by group of fungi called dermatophytes
Treatment: Antifungal medications (topical or oral), keeping the affected area
clean and dry.
Causes: Fungi like dermatophytes thriving in warm, moist environments.
Prevention: Keeping skin clean and dry, avoiding walking barefoot in public
places like gym showers, and wearing breathable footwear.