2. What is the Integumentary
System?
The integumentary system is
the body's outermost layer,
comprised of skin, hair, nails,
and glands. It acts as a
protective barrier against
external factors, helps regulate
body temperature, and assists
in sensory perception.
4. The Skin is the body's largest
organ, serving as a protective
barrier. It has three main
layers:Epidermis, Dermis,
and Hypodermis.
5. Epidermis: The epidermis is the
outermost layer of the skin, and
protects the body from the
environment. The epidermis is
subdivided into five layers:
Stratum Basale: The bottom layer,
where new cells are made. It has special
cells:
• Basal cells: Create new
keratinocytes.
• Keratinocytes are the main skin cells
found in the epidermis (outer layer of
the skin).
• Merkel cells: Help you feel touch.
• Melanocytes produce skin-coloring
melanin.
6. Melanocytes produce two pigment-determining
melanins:
Eumelanin: Your skin, eyes, and hair all have dark
colours thanks to this particular type of melanin.
Pheomelanin: This type of melanin is responsible for
the pink or red coloration of your lips, nipples, vagina,
and the bulbous structure at the end of the penis
(glans), as well as your hair.
7. The Stratum Spinosum, also called
the "spiny layer," is the second layer
of the epidermis, found just above the
stratum basale.
In this layer, keratinocytes begin to
change—they move upward, start
producing more keratin, and become
slightly flatter.
The cells look spiny under the microscope
because of desmosomes, which are strong
connections that hold the cells tightly
together and give the skin strength. This
layer is also where Langerhans cells, are a
special type of immune cell found mostly in
the skin they help the body detect harmful
invaders like bacteria, viruses, or other
foreign substances.
8. The Stratum Granulosum, or
"granular layer," is the third layer of the
epidermis, found above the Stratum
Spinosum.
In this layer, keratinocytes continue
to flatten and begin to die, losing their
nuclei as they prepare to become part
of the outer skin.
These cells contain keratohyalin
granules, which help form strong
keratin.
9. The Stratum Lucidum is
between the Stratum
Granulosum and the Stratum
Corneum. is a thin, clear layer
found only in thick skin like the
palms and soles. It’s made of
dead cells and adds extra
protection in areas with lots of
friction or pressure.
10. The Stratum Corneum is the
outermost layer of the epidermis
and the part of the skin we can see
and touch. It’s made up of many
layers of dead and flat
keratinocytes that are filled with
keratin, making the skin tough and
protective. As new cells move up
from the layers below, the old cells
in the stratum corneum shed off
naturally.
11. Dermis The Dermis is the middle layer
of the skin, found right under
the epidermis. It’s thicker and
made of strong connective
tissue, which gives skin its
strength and flexibility.
The Dermis has two layers: the
Papillary layer and the Reticular layer.
The Papillary Layer is the upper part,
containing capillaries, touch receptors,
and dermal papillae that connect to the
epidermis and support sensation.
12. The Reticular Layer is deeper
and thicker, made of strong
connective tissue with collagen
and elastin fibers, sweat and oil
glands, blood vessels, and
nerves. Together, these layers
give the skin strength, flexibility,
and help with protection,
sensation, and temperature
control.
Dermis
13. The Hypodermis, or
Subcutaneous tissue, is the
deepest layer of the skin. It
contains fat cells (adipocytes)
that store energy and keep the
body warm, along with blood
vessels and nerves. This layer
helps insulate the body,
provides padding, and anchors
the skin to muscles using
connective tissue.
14. Hair, also called pilus (plural: pili), comes
in two types:
Vellus hair is the light, thin hair that
covers most of the body. Terminal hair is
the thicker, darker, and longer hair found
on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard,
and pubic areas, especially after puberty.
Hair Shaft
The visible part of the hair above the skin.
• Made up of three layers:
• Medulla: The soft center (not always present).
• Cortex: The thick layer with keratin and
pigment (gives hair its color).
• Cuticle: The outermost layer, like protective
scales.
15. Sebaceous Gland
• Produces sebum (natural oil) that
keeps hair and skin moisturized
and protected.
Arrector Pili Muscle
• Tiny muscle connected to the hair follicle.
• When it contracts (like when you're cold or
scared), it makes your hair stand up
(goosebumps).
•
Hair Follicle Layers
• Inner Root Sheath: Helps guide and shape
the growing hair.
• Outer Root Sheath: Protective layer that
supports the inner parts.
•
16. Hair Bulb
The base of the follicle where hair
growth begins.
•
Contains two important parts:
• Hair Matrix: Where cells
rapidly divide to form the
hair.
• Hair Papilla: Contains
blood vessels that bring
nutrients and oxygen to
support hair growth.
17. Nails are special skin structures made
of hard keratin that protect the tips of
our fingers and toes. They help us
with tasks like picking things up or
scratching.
Onychodermal Band
A thin line where the nail plate meets the
hyponychium (under the free edge). It
acts as a seal to protect against dirt and
bacteria.
•
Here's a explanation of each part of the
nail anatomy:
18. Nail Plate
• The hard, visible part of the nail
made of keratin. It lies on top of the
nail bed and protects the tips of the
fingers and toes.
Nail Matrix
• The growth center of the nail found
under the skin at the base of the
nail. It produces new nail cells that
push older ones forward to form
the nail plate.
Cuticle (Eponychium)
The thin layer of skin that covers the
nail matrix. It protects the area from
infection.
•
19. Mantle
• The deep skin layer at the base of the
nail where the matrix lies. It houses the
starting point of nail growth.
Hyponychium
• The skin under the free edge of the nail
(where the nail sticks out). It also serves
as a protective barrier against bacteria.
Nail Bed
• The skin beneath the nail plate. It
provides nutrients and gives the nail
its pinkish color due to blood vessels.
Nail Folds
• The skin that surrounds the sides and
base of the nail. It helps anchor and
protect the nail plate.
21. Glands
• produce and release
substances to help the
body stay healthy and
balanced. These
substances can be oil,
sweat, earwax, or even
milk. The glands help
protect the skin and
regulate temperature.
Sebaceous Glands (Oil glands)
• These glands are connected to hair
follicles.
• They produce sebum, a natural oil
that moisturizes and protects the skin
and hair.
• Sebum keeps the skin soft and
waterproof, and it also has some
antibacterial properties.
• Most active during puberty because of
hormone changes.
• Found in: Face, scalp, chest —
almost everywhere except palms and
soles.
22. Sudoriferous Glands (Sweat
glands)
• These are the glands
responsible for producing sweat,
which cools the body and helps
eliminate waste.
Eccrine Sweat Glands
• Most common type.
• Produce watery sweat directly onto
the skin.
• Helps cool the body during heat or
exercise.
• Found in: Forehead, palms, soles,
and all over the body.
23. Apocrine Sweat Glands
• Found in specific areas like
armpits and groin.
• Sweat from these glands is thicker
and milky because it contains fat
and protein.
• This type of sweat can smell when
bacteria break it down (body odor).
• Become active during puberty and
respond to emotions or stress.
• Found in: Armpits, groin, around
nipples.
There are special types of apocrine
glands in the skin called Modified
Sweat Glands.
24. Modified apocrine glands are special sweat glands
that have unique functions.
Two main types are the Ceruminous glands in the
ear, which make earwax to trap dirt and protect the
ear, and the Mammary glands in the breasts, which
produce milk to feed and protect babies. These
glands are more specialized than regular sweat
glands.