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The integumentary system is the outermost layer of an animal's body and includes the skin, hair, nails, and glands. It protects the body from the environment, maintains homeostasis, and performs other functions. These functions include: Barrier function: Protects the body from the sun's UV rays, physical trauma, temperature fluctuations, infectious and chemical agents Body temperature regulation: Thermoreceptors regulate peripheral blood flow, perspiration, and hair Cell fluid maintenance: Excrets sebum, sweat, and other waste Vitamin D synthesis: Synthesizes vitamin D Sensory function: Detects pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature
The integumentary system is made up of multiple layers that shed and replace old inner layers. Skin thickness varies based on age, gender, medications, and health. For example, skin is thicker on the palms and soles, and thinner on the eyelids, axillae, genitals, and other mucosal surfaces.
The integumentary system can be affected by many conditions, including: Skin disorders, Allergies like contact dermatitis and poison ivy rashes, Blisters from trauma, Bug bites, such as spider bites, tick bites, Acne, Athlete's foot, Skin cancer, Cold sores, Psoriasis, Ringworm
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