Integumentary system

Definition

The integumentary system is composed of the skin and its accessory structures, including hair, nails, and glands. It serves as a protective barrier, regulates temperature, and plays a role in sensory perception.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy skin; deficiencies in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc can impair skin integrity.
2. Proteins are crucial for wound healing as they contribute to tissue repair and regeneration.
3. Dehydration negatively impacts skin turgor and elasticity, making adequate fluid intake important for maintaining skin health.
4. Antioxidants found in foods like fruits and vegetables help protect the skin from oxidative stress and damage from UV rays.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Review Questions

• Why is protein intake important for the integumentary system?
• Which vitamins are most critical for maintaining healthy skin and why?
• How do antioxidants benefit the integumentary system?

Related terms

Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin that provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.

Dermis: The thick layer beneath the epidermis containing tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Hypodermis: The deeper subcutaneous tissue made of fat and connective tissue that insulates the body.