3.2 The Human Integumentary System

The integument proper is the outermost layer of the human body. It is usually known as the skin. The skin has two layers--the superficial or outer layer called the epidermis and the deeper or inner layer called the dermis.

The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium. This means that it is made up of several layers of cells, the outermost being flat-type epithelial cells.

The outer layers of the epidermis include cells which are transparent, flattened, dead, and without nuclei. These hardened cells of the outermost layers are completely filled with keratin and are known as cornified cells. These dead flat cells in the outermost layers resemble scales. Day by day, these cells are scraped away or just fall away from the body. They are replaced by cells from the intermediate layers.

In the intermediate layers of the epidermis, the cells change their shapes. As the cells move towards the surface, they gain granules, begin to manufacture a hardening material called keratin, and lose their nuclei.

he innermost layer of the epidermis is especially important because it is the source of all the other layers of the epidermis. It is known as the basal or germinative layer. The cells of this layer are capable of multiplication (mitosis). Its basic structure is a single layer of columnar-type epithelial cells.

The dermis is the layer of the skin lying just beneath the epidermis. It is dense FCT consisting of white and yellow fibers. This layer in animal hides is used to make leather. The dermis has finger-like projections called papillae. These papillae extend into the epidermis and keep the dermis and epidermis from sliding on each other. The dermal layer includes blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and glands.

INTRODUCTION TO INTEGUMENTARY DERIVATIVES

The integumentary derivatives include the glands, hairs, and nails associated with the skin. All integumentary derivatives are formed from the tissues of the integument proper (dermis and epidermis). All are appended (attached) to the integument proper and are often known as the appendages of the skin. See figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2. The integumentary derivatives (appendages).

HAIRS

A hair follicle is formed by the extension of the skin (dermis and epidermis) deeper into the surface of the body. Follicles may extend into the subcutaneous layer.  At the base of the hair follicle is the hair root. The hair shaft grows out from the root. The hair shaft is made of cells from the outermost layers of the epidermis.

Scalp and facial hairs grow continuously. Other hairs of the body grow to fixed lengths. The types and patterns of hairs are determined for each individual by genetics, including his/her sex.

GLANDS

The types of glands included are the sweat glands, the sebaceous (fat/ oil) glands, and the mammary glands (breasts). The ducts and secretory parts of these glands are made of epithelial tissues. Backup or supporting tissue is of FCT.

Sweat glands consist of a coiled secretory portion and a wavy duct which leads to the surface of the skin. The coiled secretory portion is located in the dermis or deeper. Sweat glands are found everywhere on the body in association with the skin.

Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance which lubricates the skin and hairs. The oil keeps the skin and hairs flexible. The sebaceous glands are usually found as a part of the walls of hair follicles and their oil flows into the follicle. In a few places without hairs, they open directly to the skin surface.

In the adult human female, the mammary gland lies in the subcutaneous layer anterior to the chest muscle (pectoralis major M.). Its function is to nourish the newborn. A nipple is located near the center of each breast. Around each nipple is a darkened area known as the areola. The tip of the nipple has many small openings to allow the passage of the milk from the milk ducts. These ducts are connected to lobes of glandular tissue located throughout the breast. Fat and fibrous CT fill in the spaces among the lobes.

NAILS

Nails are found on the ends of the digits (thumbs, fingers, and toes). Nails help to protect the ends of these digits. Each nail bed is attached to the top of the terminal phalanx (bone) of each digit. The nail itself is made up of cornified (hardened) outer cell layers of the epidermis. The nails grow continuously from their roots.

SKIN AND HAIR COLORATION

Human skin includes red, black, and yellow pigments. The proportion of these pigments determine the skin color. This proportion is determined by genetics. The absence of all pigments is called albinism. In albinism, white light is reflected and a pink hue results from the color of the blood shining through the transparent skin. These pigments are the source of hair color as well as the skin color.