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Integumentary System Research Paper

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The skin is the largest organ in our body which makes up 20.83 square feet on an adult body.* Integumentary system plays a major role in homeostasis that keeps our body in check. Its main function is to act as a shield from the outside environment. It involves three main layers. *The epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Although this organ system is vital, there are many other accessory components that are equally important to the overall health of our body. The first layer is epidermis; this outer layer consists of elements such as melanin and carotene which forms the skins color, and keratin that forms finger nails*. Another trait it carries is to shed dead cells that build up over time*. The reason why skin sheds is to replace cells with new ones that allow the skin to quickly repair itself in case of injuries*. Over the span of a year we shed approximately one and half pounds*. It is fascinating that if it was not for this specialty, we …show more content…

When dealing with the nervous systems, its main job is to send and to receive senses such as touch. Also, in the circulatory system, certain substances can be entered through capillarity that travels into the blood stream. Similarly, the digestive system work alongside to absorb calcium from our diet. Lastly, the immune system has immune cells inside the skin which aid to fight off potential infections. Next, at times our body can go through many complications such as diseases and disorders caused by the environment. For instance warts, caused by a viral infection of the epidermis, are usually harmless and most of the time goes away with treatment. Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that builds up moisture between the toes, or on palms or fingers. Another condition would be ulcers which eat or gnaw away tissue. Of the many various conditions that we may face, we can count on our layers of skin to fight and

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