Integumentary Functions

Guided Response: Respond to two peers. Each peer response should be at least 100 words in length and supported by one scholarly source. In each reply, choose one of the integumentary functions discussed by your peer and explain how this function aids in the prevention or healing of a specific skin condition. Please choose a different function and skin condition for each peer reply.

Remember, you need to discuss and explain your responses. A list is not enough

Mine-Function of the Integumentary System

The skin is considered the largest organ of the body (Young etal., 2014). It is the external surface of the body and thus protects from several external threats, such as mechanical, water, biological, and chemical insults (Young etal., 2014). Skin is significant in thermoregulation as it can adjust the blood circulation and the process of heat conservation and heat loss (Young etal., 2014). Lastly, as the largest sensory organ, it contains several receptors specific for pressure, touch, temperature, and pain sensations(Young etal., 2014).

Location, composition, and special features of the three layers of skin

The skin is composed of three main layers, namely, epidermis, dermis, and subcutis, also known as hypodermis or panniculus (Young et al., 2014). The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, made up of continuous proliferating stratified squamous epithelium, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells (Young et al., 2014). Devoid of blood vessels and nerve cells; it provides a non-living surface layer of the protein “keratin” that is being shed constantly (Young et al., 2014). Additionally, it provides supplemental resistance to frictional shearing force through rete ridges (Young et al., 2014). The next layer is the dermis, which is composed of fibrous and fibro adipose tissue that supports the epidermis’ physical and metabolical processes (Young et al., 2014). This layer is packed with blood vessels, nerves, lymph vessels, sweat glands, oil glands, and sensory receptors (Young et al., 2014). This layer provides protection from elastic forces. Last but not least, hypodermis, which is beneath the dermis, is composed of adipose tissue with accompanying fibrous bands and contains larger blood vessels that are important for the supply and drainage of dermal blood vasculature. Hypodermis serves as a shock absorber and facilitates heat preservation (Young et al., 2014).