Chapter 5; The Integumentary System

Hey guys! 

This week we are going over chapter 5 which is all about the integumentary system! 

First, lets talk about the skin, I would consider this a pretty important aspect of the integumentary system! The skin has 3 major regions that you need to remember...

1. Epidermis- the outer most protective shield of the body! Structurally, the epidermis is made up of keratinized (proteins) stratified squamous cells. There can be four or five layers of these cells.
2. Dermis- this is the middle region of the skin structure. This middle region makes up the majority of the skin. It is very tough and a leathery texture. This is made up of mainly fibrous connective tissue.
3. Hypodermis- You might see this called superficial fascia, as well. This is is your deep subcutaneous tissue skin. This is not “technically” part of the skin but it helps in the protection of the body, much like the epidermis and dermis.

Next, the chapter goes into detail about skin color. There are 3 different pigments that contribute to your skin color!

1. Melanin- responsible for yellow to reddish and brown-black pigment. This is a polymer made of amino acids. This is the time of pigment you think of when you get tan. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin builds up and this causes our skin to darken visibly. Caucasians have little melanin because they are fair skinned.
2. Carotene- this is a yellow to orange pigment found in certain plant products (carrots).Carotene can be converted into Vitamin A which is important for normal vision as well as epidermal health
3. Hemoglobin- is the reddish pigment responsible for the pinkish hue of the skin. Since Caucasians are fair skinned because they have little melanin, the epidermis is pretty much see-through and this allows for the hemoglobin to show through.

Your skin color can tell you important things about your health;

• Jaundice (yellowish cast)- this usually signifies a liver disorder
• Blanching (Pale)- during fear, anger, and other types of emotional stress some people become pale. Also, this could be a sign of anemia or low blood pressure
• Bronzing- a bronze metallic appearance of the skin is a sign of Addison disease. 
• Bruises- reveals when blood has escaped from the circulation and clotted beneath the skin

I hope this quick breakdown of the integumentary system helps you understand the basics of chapter 5!

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