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( Integumentary system)
The Integumentary System is an organ system that protects the body from damage, comprising the skin and its appendages[1](including hair, scales, and nails). This is usually anything that grows out of the skin like hair or nails (also includes skin). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; in animals, it may serve to waterproof, cushion and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, regulate temperature and is the location of sensory receptors for pain, pressure and temperature. In humans, the functions of the integumentary system are protection, sensation, excretion, vitamin D synthesis. The integumentary system is the largest organ system. It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange. The integumentary sytem is made up of people who like to wear fur coats and fart all day. This is the top layer of the skin made up of epithelial cells. Its main job is protection. Structurally it consists of a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium comprising four types of cells keratinocytes, melanocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans' cells. The majority of the epidermis is the keratinocyte which produces keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that aid in protection. Millions of dead keratinocytes rub off everyday. A totally new epidermis is present every 25 to 45 days. Melanocytes create melanin, the substance that gives our skin color. These cells are found deep in the epidermis layer. Accumulations of melanin are packaged in melanosomes (membrane-bound granules). These granules form a pigment shield against UV radiation for the keratinocyte nuclei. The Epidermis itself is made up of many layers. The basale stratum is the only layer capable of cell division 'pushing up' cells to replenish the outer layer which is constantly shedding dead cells. The Epidermis does not contain blood vessels (nonvascular). It contains the pigment melanin which gives skin colour and allows the skin to tan, uneven distrubtion of melanin causes 'freckles'.
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