Basics of the organ system that contains the largest organ in the human body-- the skin.

1. Skin
“The Integumentary System”

2. Skin
Functions
• Covers the body and prevents the loss of water.
• Protects the body from injury and infection.
• Eliminates wastes.
• Gathers information about the environment
• Helps maintain homeostasis by keeping the body
temperature steady in spite of changing external
conditions.

3. Skin
Epidermis
• The outermost layer of skin
• Does not have nerves or blood vessels
• New cells develop deep in the epidermis, move
upward, die, shed and are replaced.
• Contains melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color
and helps protect the skin from burning

4. Skin
Dermis
• Lower layer of skin
• Contains nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands, hairs, and oil
glands.
• Sweat glands produce perspiration, which reaches the surface
through openings called pores.
• Strands of hair grow within the dermis in structures called
follicles.
• Oil is produced in the glands around the hair follicles to water
proof it. The oil also helps keep the skin moist.

5. Skin

6. Skin
Four simple habits can help you keep your skin
healthy:
• Eat properly
• Drink enough water.
• Limit your exposure to sun.
• Keep your skin clean and dry.

7. Skin
Disorders
• Cancer is a disease in which some body cells divide
uncontrollably. Repeated exposure to sunlight can
damage skin cells and cause them to become
cancerous.
• Acne is a bacterial infection that occurs when oil
glands become clogged with oil.
• Fungi are organisms that can live on and infect the
skin. Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection.