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PREPARED BY
Prof. ASHISH N. UMALE
M. PHARM IN PHARMACOLOGY
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
SHRADDHA INSTITUTE OF PHARMACY, WASHIM-444505
HUMAN ANATOMY
AND PHYSIOLOGY - I
Definition: "Integumentary" stands for
"covering.“
Composition: Consists of the skin and
accessory organs (hair, nails, and skin
glands).
Dermatology: The branch of science
dealing with the study and treatment of the
integumentary system.
The Skin as an Organ:
The largest organ of the body.
Accounts for 12–15% of total body wt.
Thickness varies from 0.5 mm (eyelids)
to 4.0 mm (soles of feet).
Introduction to the
Integumentary System
Functions of the Integumentary System
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The skin is organized into three distinct
layers with specific roles
1. Epidermis: The outermost layer (made
of keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium).
2. Dermis: The second, deeper layer
(made of connective tissue).
3. Hypodermis (Subcutis): The layer
below the skin that attaches it to bone
and muscle.
 Function of the Layers: To provide a
multi-tiered defense system, combining
waterproofing (outer), structural support
(middle), and insulation (inner).
Primary Layers of the Skin
The Epidermis - Cellular Functional Units
The epidermis is "avascular" (no blood vessels)
Tissue Type: Keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium.
Composed of four major cell types:
1.Keratinocytes (90%): Produce keratin protein.
Function: Provides hardness and makes skin
waterproof.
2.Melanocytes (8%): Produce melanin pigment.
Function: Contributes to skin color and
protects against UV light.
3.Langerhans Cells: Arise from red bone
marrow.
Function: Immune response; protects skin
from microbes.
4.Merkel Cells: Specialized cells.
Function: Receives sensations of touch &
The Epidermis
1. Stratum Corneum: Uppermost layer; 25–30
layers of flat, dead cells.
Function: Barrier against heat, water, and
chemicals.
2. Stratum Lucidum: Found only in thick skin
(palms/soles).
Function: Extra protection in high-friction
areas.
3. Stratum Granulosum: 3–5 layers of flat cells.
Function: Middle transition layer.
4. Stratum Spinosum: 8–10 layers of
keratinocytes.
Function: Strength and flexibility.
5. Stratum Basale: Deepest layer.
Function: Cell production and fingerprint
formation.
Layers of the Epidermis
Characteristics: Contains blood vessels, glands, hair follicles, and
nerve endings.
1. Papillary Layer (Top): Loose connective tissue.
Function: Rich in blood vessels to nourish the epidermis; contains
nerve endings for sensation.
2. Reticular Layer (Bottom): Dense connective tissue.
Function: Contains fat cells, hair follicles, and glands; provides
overall strength and elasticity to the skin.
The Dermis – The "True" Skin
Hypodermis (Subcutis)
Characteristics: Not technically part of the skin; located below the dermis.
Function 1: Attaches skin to underlying bones and muscles.
Function 2: Primary site for fat storage (adipose tissue).
Function 3: Acts as a shock absorber and maintain core body temperature.
Accessory Organs
Hair: Protection and sensation.
Nails: Protect the tips of fingers and toes.
Glands
Sebaceous (Oil): Keep skin moist and inhibit bacterial growth.
Sudoriferous (Sweat): Aid in cooling the body.
Hypodermis and Accessory Organs