Integumentary System

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The Integumentary System - What is it?[edit | edit source]

Pronounced in•teg•u•men•ta•ry, this system is colloquially known as the skin and is an organ system which has many functions. This article will hopefully explain the different anatomical layers and physiological functions of the skin and also demonstrate why it is important to have an understanding of the skin with relation to clinical physiotherapy practice.


An Introduction - Key Facts[edit | edit source]

  1. Skin accounts for about 16% of your total body weight [1]
  2. Its surface area covers between 1.5-2m2 [1]
  3. Weighs approximately 3-5kg [2]
  4. Is generally 1-2mm thick, but varies depending on its function, 0.5mm on eyelids but 3.4mm on soles of your feet Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
  5. It is your bodys first line of defence [1]
  6. The system contains all of the appendages including hair, nails, sebaceous glands and sweat glandsCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
  7. Skin is made up of the Epidermis and the Dermis, each having seperate sublayers. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title


General Function[edit | edit source]

The skin has several functions that provide several purposes[3] ;

  • Protection- The skin is the first line of defense against foreign pathogens
  • Excretion- Of salt, water and waste products through glands
  • Thermoregulation- Via vasocontriction and vasodialtion mechanisms
  • Calcium Metabolism- Vitamin D3 and Calcitrol
  • Fat Stroage 
  • Sensation- Touch, pressure, pain, and temperature

If not working correctly, each of the functions can have important clinical implications and all should be considered when working with patients. For example an important clinical association with the breakdown of the ability of the skin to provide protection is pressure sores.


Structure of the Skin[edit | edit source]

Epidermis[edit | edit source]

The epidermis is composed of a series of layers containing stratified keratinised squamous epitelial cells and is the uppermost surfaces of the skin. The epidermis is avascular and relies upon the lower dermis (dermal layer) for oxygenation and metabolism. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title. There are 4 main types of cells within the epidermis Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title;

  1. Keratinocytes which make up 90% of the cells and is why skin is waterproof
  2. Melanocytes which make up 8% of the cells and are responsible for producing the skin pigment, melanin.
  3. Langerhans cells which make up 1% of the cells and are involved in the immune response
  4. Merkel cells  which make up 1% of the cells and function in the sensation of touch

The epidermis is made up of the following layers (from bottom to top);

  1. Stratum Basale (or Stratum Germinativum)
  2. Stratum Spinosum
  3. Stratum Granulosum
  4. Stratum Lucidum
  5. Stratum Corneum

 As the skin matures, the layers progress to the surface and are a clear, visible example of the effects of cell maturation and aging until they are finally shed.

Stratum Basale[edit | edit source]

This is deepest layer layer of the epidermis 


== References ==

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Martini FH, Nath, JL. Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology. 8th ed. Pearson. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings. 2009
  2. ↑ Turkington C, Dover JS. Skin Deep. 3rd ed. New York: Checkmark Books. 2007
  3. ↑ Martini FH, Nath, JL. Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology. 8th ed. Pearson. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings. 2009


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