Integumentary system

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In zootomy, the integumentary system is often the largest organ system of an animal by surface area, comprising skin, hair, feathers, scales, nails, sweat glands and their products (sweat and mucus). It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire at their outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gasses simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange.

In botany, the integument refers to the envelope of an ovule.

The name derives from the Latin integumentum, which means 'a covering'.

[edit] Components

The cutaneous membrane (skin) and its accessory structures (hair, scales, feathers, nails, exocrine glands) make up the Integumentary system.

There are three layers of skin: (1) epidermis, (2) dermis and (3) subcutaneous tissue. Cutaneous glands include:

Sudoriferous glands - or sweat glands
Sebaceous glands - oil-producing glands
Ceruminous glands - glands of the ear canal that produce cerumen (earwax)
Mammary glands - milk-producing glands located in the breasts.

[edit] See also

Dermatology - the branch of medicine dealing with the integumentary system.
Skin
Exoskeleton and shell

[edit] Sources

Aquatic Path Details of the integumentary system of the fathead minnow
biology4kids

Integumentary system - edit
Skin \| Sweat glands \| Sebaceous glands \| Hair \| Nails
Skin
Epidermis (Stratum corneum, Stratum lucidum, Stratum granulosum, Stratum spinosum, Stratum germinativum/basale)
Dermis \| Subcutis

v • d • e</span> Human organ systems
Cardiovascular system \| Digestive system \| Endocrine system \| Immune system \| Integumentary system \| Lymphatic system \| Muscular system \| Nervous system \| Reproductive system \| Respiratory system \| Skeletal system \| Urinary system