2. Introduction
The skin is also called the “integument” or covering,
and is aptly within the integumentary system.
Made up of three basic layers.
It protects us from the outside environment.
Helps to maintain homeostasis.
Protects the deeper tissues from injury.
3. Three layers
Epidermis: Outer layer that is responsible for the first
level of protection.
Dermis: Second major skin region which is strong and
flexible and that houses blood vessels, glands, nerves,
and hair follicles.
Subcutaneous: anchors the other layers in a loose
enough way to allow for movement, mostly made of
fat, and is an insulator against temperature.
4. The Protector
The skin protects us from the outside environment.
Blocking the chemical, mechanical, and biological.
It aids in insulating the body from variances in the
external temperature.
It also helps maintain temperature through the use of
sweat glands housed within it.
It contains melanin which is our bodies defense
against radiation we receive from the sun.
5. Its role in homeostasis
Homeostasis is the balance our bodies are constantly
attempting to achieve with the outside.
The skin contains nerve endings that are responsible
for detecting pain, as well as, temperature.
It also provides the barrier needed to maintain the
correct hydration the body needs. Without this
hydration cells would not be able to function properly.
6. Absorbs impact
The subcutaneous layer of the skin is made up
primarily of fat.
It is because of the fatty layer that the skin is able to
slide, and therefore able let blows skim off the body.
This same fatty layer is an impact absorber. Which
helps protect the underlying structures from trauma.
7. Conclusion
Although the skin can sometimes be overlooked as a
vital organ. It is clear to see that it most definitely is
necessary. In it’s role in protecting the body from both
injury, and balancing the inner body from the
harshness our outside environment may provide.
Without the skin the body would simply not be able to
function.
8. Works Cited
Marieb, E., Hoehn, K. Human Anatomy and
Physiology. 9th Edition. New Jersey. Pearson.
Fremgen, B, Frucht, S. 2013. Medical Terminology- A
living Language. 5th Edition. New Jersey. Pearson.
