Introduction to the Integumentary In terms of medical specialty that focuses on

System the structure, function, and disorders of the

integumentary system is dermatology.
Slide 1: Dermatologists are doctors who diagnose
and treat conditions related to the skin, hair,
With some basic covered regarding the type nails, and glands, such as acne, , psoriasis,
of tissue we have the epithelial and and skin cancer. They also address issues
connective in our body, which is we already like infections, allergies, and aging effects
done discuss last chapter 4. And by that we on the skin.
are now ready to start looking some different
of system that might found our body? And The skin, or cutaneous membrane, is the
now we are going that we are start the body’s largest organ and covers the external
outermost layer of the our body which the surface. It acts as a protective barrier against
integumentary system . pathogens, UV radiation, and environmental
damage as I’ve said earlier. The skin
Hi! I am Judy Ann C. Genelazo, Your regulates body temperature, provides
reporter for today’s video! sensation, and helps synthesize vitamin D.
Additionally, it plays a crucial role in
So, let us start our discussion with immunity, waste excretion, and storing
Integumentary system, together with that we energy. Its health is vital for overall well-
are also dealing the some sub topics: such being, making it essential for physical
the structure of the skin, Accessory of the protection and internal balance.
skin, types and function of the skin, the
maintaining of homeostasis in skin wound Slide 3:
and also the development and ageing of
integumentary system. And by that we have function of
integumentary system
Slide 2:
1. Regulates body temperature: The
The integumentary system is the body's skin adjusts blood flow and sweat
outermost layer, acting as a protective production to help maintain body
barrier. It includes the skin, hair, nails, sweat temperature.
glands, and oil glands, as well as sensory Example: Sweating when it's hot to
receptors. This system plays a crucial role in cool down the body.
shielding the body from harmful external 2. Stores blood: Blood vessels in the
agents like pathogens, UV radiation, and skin store blood, helping regulate
physical injury. While it does not directly overall blood volume.
participate in material exchange (such as Example: Constricting blood vessels
oxygen or nutrients), it helps maintain the to conserve blood during cold
internal environment by preventing weather.
dehydration and regulating temperature. 3. Protects body from external
Unlike other systems that have more specific environment: The skin acts as a
functions, the integumentary system serves barrier against harmful pathogens,
as an all-encompassing protective shield for chemicals, and physical damage.
the body. Example: The skin protecting
against cuts and infections.
4. Detects cutaneous sensations: The sunlight, crucial for bone health.
skin contains sensory receptors that Example: By spending short period
detect touch, pain, temperature, and in sunlight, your skin produce
pressure. vitamin D, which facilitate calcium,
Example: When you touch a hot absorption promoting strong bones .
caldereta (pot), sensory receptors in However, it is important to balance
your skin detect the heat. They send the sun exposure to skin damage, 10-
signals to the brain, which interprets 15 minutes few times in week can
the sensation as "hot," prompting help to maintain adequate vitamin
you to quickly pull your hand away D,. without increasing the skin
to avoid injury. damage.
5. Exc
rete Slide 4:
s
and Let us move forward to the Layers of the
Skin, so as you can see we have a lot of
parts of skin structure ( introduce the parts
of the skin), In layer of the skin which it
consist of: Epidermis consist of and Dermis
consist also of , and we have also the
Hypodermis (not part of the skin) the lower
part with .
absorbs substances- skin
contributes to waste elimination and
substance intake.
Epidermis (Outermost Layer)
Example: After exercise, sweating
not only cools the body but also  Hair Shaft: The visible part of the
helps expel metabolic waste hair that extends above the skin
products, which is called excretion. surface.
As you sweat, substances like salts Function: Protects the hair root and
and urea are released from your provides structure to the hair.
body through the skin.  Sweat Pore: The opening on the
surface of the skin through which
On the other hand, when you apply sweat is excreted.
topical medication, like a cream for Function: Allows the secretion of
a sore hand, the skin absorbs the sweat to help cool the body and
cream. This means the substances in remove waste.
the cream are taken directly into the  Epidermal Pegs: Projections from
skin, where they can act on the the epidermis that interlock with the
underlying tissues. This process is dermis.
called absorption, as the skin can Function: Increases the surface area
absorb certain substances directly for nutrient exchange between the
epidermis and dermis.
6. Synthesizes vitamin D: The skin  Free Nerve Ending: Sensory nerve
produces vitamin D when exposed to endings found in the epidermis.
 Function: Detects pain, temperature, producing sweat in response to stress
and light touch. and hormones.
 Lamellar Corpuscle: Nerve endings
2. Dermis (Middle Layer) found deeper in the dermis, sensitive
to deep pressure and vibration.
 Dermal Papillae: Small projections Function: Detects deep pressure and
that extend from the dermis into the vibrations.
epidermis.  Vein: Blood vessels that carry
Function: Nourishes the epidermis deoxygenated blood back to the
and helps with tactile sensation. heart.
 Tactile Corpuscle: Nerve endings Function: Circulates blood and
found in the dermal papillae, removes waste products.
sensitive to light touch.  Artery: Blood vessels that carry
Function: Detects light touch and oxygenated blood from the heart to
vibration. the skin and other tissues.
 Sebaceous Gland: Oil-producing Function: Supplies oxygen and
glands attached to hair follicles. nutrients to the skin.
Function: Produces sebum to
lubricate and protect the skin. 3. Subcutaneous Tissue (Hypodermis –
 Arrector Muscle of Hair: Small Deepest Layer)
muscles attached to hair follicles.
Function: Causes hair to stand  Adipose Tissue: Fat cells found in
upright (goosebumps) in response to the hypodermis.
cold or emotional stimuli. Function: Stores energy, insulates
 Eccrine Sweat Gland: Sweat glands the body, and cushions organs.
distributed across the body,  Cutaneous Vascular Plexus: A
especially on the palms and soles. network of blood vessels found
Function: Produces watery sweat for within the hypodermis.
thermoregulation. Function: Regulates blood flow to
 Sensory Nerve: Nerves in the dermis the skin and helps with temperature
that detect physical stimuli. control.
Function: Transmits sensory
information (touch, temperature,
pain) to the brain.
 Hair Follicle: The root of the hair Summary of the Layers:
embedded in the dermis.
Function: Produces and grows hair. 1. Epidermis: Outer layer providing
 Hair Root: The part of the hair protection and sensation. Contains
located beneath the skin's surface structures like sweat pores, hair
within the follicle. shaft, and free nerve endings.
Function: Responsible for hair 2. Dermis: Middle layer responsible for
growth. nourishment, sensation, and skin
 Apocrine Sweat Gland: Sweat structure. Contains hair follicles,
glands primarily found in areas with sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and
hair, like the armpits. tactile corpuscles.
Function: Secretes a thicker, odor-
 3. Subcutaneous Tissue: Deepest layer How is keratin formed? Keratin is
containing adipose tissue for energy produced by keratinocytes in the epidermis
storage, cushioning, and temperature through a process called keratinization. It
regulation. begins when new keratinocytes are formed
in the deepest layer of the skin. As these
These components work together to cells migrate upwards through the layers of
maintain skin health, protect the body, and the epidermis, they start producing keratin.
respond to environmental stimuli. In the upper layers, the cells fill with keratin,
lose their nuclei, and harden. By the time
Slide 5 they reach the surface, these keratin-filled
cells have become tough and cornified and
The epidermis is the outermost layer also dead, because they’ve lost their
of the skin and is made up of organelle and just full of keratin.
keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium. This means it consists of Example : when you get a callus on your
multiple layers of flat, scale-like hands or feet after prolonged friction, like
cells that are tightly packed together. from walking barefoot or using tools. In
The cells in the epidermis produce response to the pressure, the keratinocytes
keratin, a tough protein that helps in that area produce more keratin and
make the skin waterproof and become thicker and more hardened, forming
resistant to injury or any scratch of a protective layer. This helps shield the
your skin. And in consist of 4 underlying skin from further damage and
principle type of cells that is abrasion, similar to how the epidermis
Keratinocyte, Melanocyte, protects the body in general.
Dendritic Cell, Tactile Epithelial
cell. Keratin production: Provides a tough
protective barrier.
Slide 6
Lamellar Granules production: Helps
Keratinocytes are the most common type of maintain skin hydration and prevents water
cells in the epidermis, making up about 85% loss.
of the cells. They are arranged in 4 or 5
layers within the epidermis and play a  Melanocytes are specialized cells in
crucial role in producing keratin, a protein the epidermis that make up about 8%
that strengthens and protects the skin. As of the total epidermal cells. They are
keratinocytes move toward the skin’s responsible for producing melanin, a
surface, they become more flattened, lose pigment that gives skin, hair, and
their nuclei, and fill with keratin, forming a eyes their color. Melanin can be
tough, protective barrier. yellow-red or black-brown,
depending on its type. This pigment
Keratinocytes also produce Lamellar plays a crucial role in protecting the
Granules, which contain lipids (fats) that skin by absorbing and dissipating
help form a waterproof barrier, preventing harmful ultraviolet (UV) light,
excessive water loss and protecting against helping to reduce the risk of UV-
external harmful substances. induced skin damage, such as
sunburn or skin cancer.
Example: Take note Melanocytes and Langerhans cells
work together to protect the skin.
People with darker skin have more active Melanocytes produce melanin, which
melanocytes that produce larger amounts of absorbs UV light and shields the skin,
melanin, which provides better natural including Langerhans cells, from UV
protection against UV radiation. For damage. If the melanocytes can't produce
instance, individuals with darker skin are enough melanin due to excessive sun
generally less susceptible to sunburns exposure, Langerhans cells become more
compared to those with lighter skin, as their vulnerable to UV damage, impairing the
higher melanin content absorbs more UV skin's immune response and increasing the
light. However, this doesn't mean they are risk of infections or skin diseases.
immune to skin damage or cancer; it just
offers added protection. Tactile epithelial cells, also known as
Merkel cells, are the least common
Slide 7 : epidermal cells, making up about 2% of the
skin’s cells. They are specialized for touch
Dendritic cells, also known as Langerhans sensation and work with nerve endings to
cells, make up about 5% of the epidermal detect pressure and texture, helping us feel
cells. They play a crucial role in the skin’s our surroundings.
immune defense by recognizing and
responding to pathogens (microbes) that Example:
invade the skin. These cells act as
"sentinels," detecting harmful microbes and When you touch a smooth surface like
then alerting other cells of the immune glass or feel the texture of sandpaper,
system to initiate a defense response. Merkel cells detect the pressure and send
However, Langerhans cells are sensitive to signals to your brain, allowing you to
UV light and can be damaged by prolonged recognize the sensation.
sun exposure, weakening the skin's ability to
respond to infections. Summary :

Real-world example:  Keratinocytes (90%) – Produce

keratin for skin strength and
In a case of a cut or wound on the skin, protection.
Langerhans cells detect any bacteria that  Melanocytes (8%) – Make melanin
may have entered the body through the to protect against UV radiation.
broken skin. These cells will capture and  Dendritic Cells (5%) – Immune
process the bacteria, then travel to nearby defense, detect microbes, sensitive to
lymph nodes, where they activate other UV light.
immune cells like T-cells to mount an  Tactile Epithelial Cells (2%) –
immune response and eliminate the invader. Detect touch and pressure
However, with excessive sun exposure (UV sensations.
light), these cells can become impaired,
making the skin more vulnerable to Slide 8
infections or the development of skin
diseases.
 And now let us talk about the layers of Think of the Stratum Basale like the roots
epidermis, a while ago we are just talk about of a plant. Just as roots generate new
the type of cell and its their function. growth for the plant, the Stratum Basale
produces new skin cells that gradually move
The Stratum Basale, also known as the up to replace old, dead cells at the surface.
Stratum Germinativum, is the deepest
layer of the epidermis. It plays a crucial role The stratum spinosum is the second-lowest
in forming new skin cells through layer of the epidermis, located just above
continuous cell division. This layer contains the stratum basale. It consists of 8-10
keratinocytes, which produce keratin layers of keratinocytes, which are skin cells
intermediate filaments (tonofilaments) that produce keratin, a tough protein. These
that help strengthen the skin. Additionally, it cells are tightly connected by desmosomes,
has melanocytes (which produce pigment) which act like strong "rivets," keeping the
and Merkel cells (which assist in touch cells together and giving the skin strength
sensation). and flexibility. The layer also contains
dendritic cells (Langerhans cells) that help
Example : with immune defense and melanocyte
projections, which distribute pigment to
keratinocytes.

Slide 9 keratin (cement) to make the wall

stronger.
The stratum granulosum is the middle  The lamellar granules act like a
layer of the epidermis, consisting of 3 to 5 waterproof coating, preventing
layers of flattened keratinocytes that are moisture from escaping and keeping
undergoing apoptosis (programmed cell the structure intact.
death). This layer is important because it
helps in the process of keratinization, This layer ensures that the skin remains
where skin cells become stronger and more durable, protective, and resistant to water
protective. loss

Two key features of this layer are: Slide 10

1. Keratohyalin granules – Dark The stratum lucidum is a thin, transparent

granules that help form keratin, layer of 4-6 layers of flattened, dead
making the skin tough. keratinocytes found only in thick skin
2. Lamellar granules – These release (such as the palms and soles). These cells
lipid-rich secretions, creating a contain high amounts of keratin and have
waterproof barrier to prevent water thickened plasma membranes, providing
loss. extra protection and durability to areas
exposed to frequent friction and pressure.
Think of the stratum granulosum like the
waterproof sealant in a brick wall. Example for Easy Understanding:
 The keratinocytes are like bricks Think of the stratum lucidum like the
that are being reinforced with protective plastic cover on a phone screen.
  It is clear and thin but adds extra packed with keratin, providing a strong
strength to protect the screen (skin) protective barrier. The layers overlap like
from scratches and damage. snake scales and are held tightly together,
 Just like the plastic cover absorbs preventing injury and microbial invasion.
impact, the stratum lucidum helps This layer continuously sheds old cells, and
protect thick skin from wear and tear. increased friction can cause it to thicken
into a callus for extra protection.
This layer acts as an additional shield,
making thick skin more resistant to damage Example for Easy Understanding:
Slide 11 Think of the stratum corneum like the roof
shingles of a house:
he stratum lucidum is a thin, transparent
layer found only in thick skin (like the  The shingles overlap to create a
palms and soles). It consists of 4-6 layers tough, waterproof barrier, just like
of dead, flattened keratinocytes packed the stratum corneum protects the
with keratin and thickened plasma skin.
membranes, making these areas extra  Over time, some shingles wear out
tough and resistant to friction and pressure. and are replaced, similar to how the
skin constantly sheds dead cells.
Example for Easy Understanding:  If there’s constant wear (friction),
extra layers are added, like a
Think of the stratum lucidum like a clear thicker roof, forming a callus on the
protective film on a heavy-duty surface, skin.
such as a laminated floor.
This layer is essential for skin protection,
 The laminate is thin and keeping out germs, preventing dehydration,
transparent but adds extra and maintaining skin resilience!
durability, just like the stratum
lucidum strengthens the skin. Slide 13 Summary
 It prevents wear and tear, ensuring
the surface (or skin) stays intact Callus Formation Across Epidermal
under constant pressure. Layers
This layer reinforces thick skin, making it 1. Stratum Basale – Increases cell
more resilient to friction and mechanical production in response to friction.
stress! 2. Stratum Spinosum – Strengthens
cells with keratin and desmosomes
Slide 12 for durability.
3. Stratum Granulosum – Adds
keratin and waterproofing lipids,
making skin tougher.
The stratum corneum is the outermost 4. Stratum Lucidum (only in thick
layer of the epidermis, made up of 25-30 skin) – Acts as a shock absorber for
layers of dead, flattened keratinocytes. extra protection.
These cells are thin, lack nuclei, and are
 5. Stratum Corneum – Thickens into o These cells shed
a hardened, protective layer, continuously and are
forming the callus. replaced by new ones from
below.
💡 Calluses develop as "skin armor,"
reinforcing high-friction areas for Key Facts:
protection.
 The entire keratinization cycle takes
7-10 weeks.
 Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
Slide 14 regulates cell division, increasing
when skin is damaged.
Process of Keratinization (Skin Cell  Dandruff occurs due to excessive
Renewal) shedding of keratinized scalp cells.

1. Stratum Basale (New Cell 💡 Think of it like a "conveyor belt"—new

Formation) skin cells form at the bottom, move up,
o Basal cells divide to create harden, die, and shed, keeping skin fresh
new keratinocytes. and protective! 😊
o These cells receive nutrients
from the dermis since the Slide 14
epidermis lacks blood
vessels. The papillary dermis and reticular dermis
2. Stratum Spinosum (Strengthening are two layers of the dermis, which is a layer
Begins) of skin located beneath the epidermis. Each
o Cells start producing plays a crucial role in the function and
keratin and form strong structure of the skin.
connections.
3. Stratum Granulosum (Keratin Papillary Dermis:
Build-up & Waterproofing)
o Cells accumulate keratin  Structure: It makes up about one-
and release lipids, creating a fifth of the dermis and contains thin
waterproof barrier. collagen fibers and fine elastic fibers.
o They begin to die  Function: The papillary dermis
(apoptosis) due to lack of increases the surface area between
oxygen. the dermis and the epidermis through
4. Stratum Lucidum (Extra structures called dermal papillae.
Protection – Only in Thick Skin) These papillae project upwards into
o Dead keratin-filled cells the epidermis and contain important
provide extra toughness structures such as:
(found in palms & soles). o Capillary loops: Small blood
5. Stratum Corneum (Final vessels that supply the
Protective Layer) epidermis with oxygen and
o Cells are completely dead, nutrients.
flattened, and packed with
keratin.
 o Tactile corpuscles: Sensory to stretch, and the collagen fibers
receptors responsible for the ensure that the skin maintains its
sense of light touch. strength and structure.
o Free nerve endings: These
nerve endings detect In summary, these dermal layers work
sensations such as warmth, together to provide both the flexibility and
coolness, pain, tickling, and strength the skin needs to perform its
itching. protective functions, while also playing a
key role in sensory perception.

Slide #
Reticular Dermis:
The process of epidermal ridges and
 Structure: The reticular dermis is dermal papillae formation is a fascinating
thicker and located beneath the and important aspect of skin structure that
papillary dermis, and it contains helps improve grip and touch sensitivity.
thick collagen fibers, elastic fibers, Let's break it down simply:
fibroblasts, macrophages, adipose
cells, blood vessels, nerves, hair 1. Formation of Epidermal Ridges
follicles, sebaceous glands, and and Dermal Papillae:
sweat glands.
 Function:  When do they form?
o Strength and resistance to o Epidermal ridges and dermal
stretching: The collagen papillae begin to develop
fibers in a netlike around the third month of
arrangement provide strength fetal life.
to the skin and resistance to  Epidermal Ridges:
stretching. o These are elevations (raised
o Extensibility and elasticity: patterns) that appear on areas
The elastic fibers allow the of the skin like the palms,
skin to stretch and return to fingers, soles, and toes.
its original shape. This is o They form unique patterns
especially important during (such as loops and whorls) on
processes such as joint the skin's surface, like
movement, pregnancy, and fingerprints.
obesity, where the skin needs o These ridges are created by
to stretch and then recover. the dermal papillae, which
are tiny projections of the
Example and Its Function: dermis (the inner skin layer)
into the epidermis (the outer
 Example: When you stretch your skin layer).
skin, like during pregnancy, the skin  Dermal Papillae:
in the abdominal area stretches o These are small finger-like
significantly to accommodate the projections of the dermis
growing fetus. The elastic fibers in that extend into the
the reticular dermis allow the skin epidermis.
o They help increase the
surface area for contact
between the dermis and
epidermis, which is important
for the exchange of nutrients
and support of skin cells.