The Integumentary System

The Integumentary System refers primarily to the skin, but can also include accessory structures, such as nails, hair, glands, muscles and even nerves. The skin is responsible for more than it is normally given credit for.

These are some of the main functions of the skin:

1. Protection;

2. Recognition and acknowledgement of stimuli, such as pressure, pain, temperatures, and sensations;

3. Excretion of fluid and electrolytes in the form of sweat and waste products;

4. Synthesis of Vitamin D, which is vital in stimulating the bones to absorb calcium.

5. Regulation of body temperature, through sweating (to cool down) and pilo-erection (hair folicles standing up straight so that the body can stay warmer).