The integumentary system protects the body from damage, regulates temperature, and detects sensations. It is composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands. The skin works with other systems like the circulatory and nervous systems to maintain homeostasis - it releases sweat to cool the body and uses capillaries to deliver medications through patches. Neurons in the skin also send signals to the brain about sensations like pain.
2. System Functions Protects the body’s internal living tissues and organs Protects against invasion by infectious organisms Helps regulate body temperature
4. Exploring the System The skin plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis: Hairs on the skin trap warmth Glands under the skin secrete sweat onto the surface of the skin in order to increase heat loss if the body is too hot Capillaries near the surface can open when your body needs to cool off and close when you need to conserve heat
5. Interrelationships The skin works with other body systems to keep the body functioning properly Circulatory System – because of capillaries below the skin's surface, patches can be used to deliver medications through the skin into the blood for things such as heart problems
6. Interrelationships The skin works with other body systems to keep the body functioning properly Neurons embedded in the skin are used to send signals to the spinal cord and then to the brain Ex. – touching a hot stove, or stumping your toe