Difference between revisions of "Integumentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology"
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| − | The | + | ==Overview of the Integumentary System== |
| + | The '''integumentary system''' is an organ system that forms the protective covering of an animal and comprises the skin (including glands and their products), haircoat or feathers, scales, nails, hooves and horns. | ||
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| + | The integumentary system has a variety of functions; in animals, it may serve to waterproof, cushion and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, regulate temperature and is the location of sensory receptors for pain, pressure and temperature. | ||
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| + | The integumentary system is often the largest organ system. It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called '''integumentary exchange'''. Generally mammalian skin is covered with hair and is termed hirsute skin. Where hair is absent, it is termed glabrous skin. | ||
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Revision as of 15:23, 23 July 2008
Overview of the Integumentary System
The integumentary system is an organ system that forms the protective covering of an animal and comprises the skin (including glands and their products), haircoat or feathers, scales, nails, hooves and horns.
The integumentary system has a variety of functions; in animals, it may serve to waterproof, cushion and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, regulate temperature and is the location of sensory receptors for pain, pressure and temperature.
The integumentary system is often the largest organ system. It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange. Generally mammalian skin is covered with hair and is termed hirsute skin. Where hair is absent, it is termed glabrous skin.
Skin - Anatomy & Physiology - Endocrine & Nutritional Influences
Skin - Anatomy & Physiology - Exotic Species
The Ear - Anatomy & Physiology
Feather - Anatomy & Physiology
References for Integumentary Anatomy and Physiology
BOOKS
- Dyce, K.M., Sack, W.O. and Wensing, C.J.G., 2002. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. Saunders Publishing, Elsevier USA. (840pp).
- Gilbert, S.F., 2000. Developmental Biology, 6th ed. Sinauer Associates, Inc, Sunderland MA.
- Sjaastad, O.V., Hove, K. & Sand, O., 2003. Physiology of Domestic Animals. Scandinavian Veterinary Press, Oslo. (735pp).