Introduction+-+click+here

=**INTRODUCTION**= The integumentary system consists of the skin and its derivatives:
 * Hair
 * Nails
 * Glands
 * Nerve endings

There are a number of reasons why the skin is special? Its main function however is protection, but this can mean a number of different things which we will discuss as the topic progresses Skin varies in thickness in different parts of the body depending in its function i.e. thicker on soles of feet than on the back of the neck
 * It covers our entire body and basically keeps us together
 * It is approximately 7% of our body weight
 * It is water proof
 * It stretches – meaning that it can return to its original shape and allows for movements
 * It can automatically repair itself

The protection provided by skin is multifaceted in that it can provide a chemical, physical and mechanical barrier. This offers protection against sunlight, injury and infection. In addition the skin is involved with the following functions:
 * Functions of Skin **
 * Body temperature regulation is accomplished by:
 * Dilation (cooling) and constriction (warming) of dermal vessels
 * Increasing sweat gland secretions to cool the body
 * Cutaneous sensation – exoreceptors sense touch and pain
 * Metabolic functions – synthesis of vitamin D in dermal blood vessels
 * Blood reservoir – skin blood vessels store up to 5% of the body’s blood volume
 * Excretion – limited amounts of nitrogenous wastes are eliminated from the body in sweat

Structure and Cells of skin Home