Integumentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology

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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 serves to waterproof, cushion and protect the deeper tissues, excrete waste, 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.