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In this essay, I am going to give an overview of the molecular, microscopic, tissue, and organ structure of the integumentary system and traverse a little into function, as we are missing a colleague. The integumentary system is the largest organ system in the human body, briefly comprising skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The system plays many roles, such as thermoregulation, immune defense, vital sensory perception, absorption, and secretion. Its accessories and appendages work in tandem on the front lines as a literal bodyguard to all other systems. The high degree of cell specialization and versatility of keratin are of particular importance.
The skin’s 3 main subdivisions are the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, separated by the basement membrane zone. All layers contain keratinocytes (immune cells, and nerve endings), but the dermis’ main cell type is the fibroblast, and the lipocyte is the queen of the subcutis.
The epidermis has up to 5 layers, with adapted epithelial cell shapes. Basal keratinocytes, similar to stem cells, are generated in the stratum basale and are differentiated by keratinization as they ascend epidermal tissue layers, many eventually forming a multi-layered graveyard atop the epidermis. These now flattened skin cells promote water resistance, as keratin is a water-insoluble fibrous protein. The epidermis also metabolizes vitamin D.
The dermis is where so much magic happens, be it hair bulges, the seats of eccrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands, an abundance of nerve endings, a lymphatic presence, and of course a high degree of vascularization and connective tissue containing collagen and elastin to support and maintain the above epidermis.
Melanocytes produce melanin to combat UV damage via melanosomes, small organelles. Merkel cells and corpuscles are mechanoreceptive and the antigen-presenting Langerhans cells are immune sentinels.
Beneath the basement membrane zone lies the hypodermis, in most people this subcutaneous layer contains the majority of body fats. Not just an energy source, this dense layer of adipocytes-adipose cushions the underlying fascia and musculature from the outside world. Areolar connective tissue is present.
Hair is strands of fully keratinized epithelial cells that grow from bulb-like follicles. More than its thermoregulatory and barrier functions, hair-related structures are theorized to have immune and wound-healing involvement. The hair shaft provides a highway for the sebaceous glands’ secretions to reach the epidermis. This sebum, in conjunction with sweat from the sudoriferous glands contributes to a hydrolipid bilayer, an emulsion with anti-pathogenic and water-resistant properties, but with a ph skin flora find agreeable. The mechanoreceptors near the hair follicle augment the tactile sense, also leading to piloerection via contracting the arrector pili.
Nails are tough but permeable keratinized plates that sheath the digits. The nail root in the dermis is provided with continuous cells from the stratum basale, allowing nail growth. The nail matrix is protected by this talon homolog which also serves to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. The nail then acts as a counter-force when the end of the finger touches an object, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the fingertip.
To conclude, the structures within the integumentary system are complex, specialized, and interconnected. The systems’ constituents interrelate their structures to perform functions, particularly the stratified tissue types performing different roles with their versatile cells. The largest organ system definitely seems to keep itself busy.
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