Integumentary System Facts & Worksheets

The integumentary system acts like the body’s protective armor, made up of the skin, hair, nails, and glands. These parts create a barrier that shields the body from the outside world. The integumentary system helps keep everything inside our bodies safe and sound. The purpose of this system also goes beyond protection because it helps regulate body temperature, maintain the right balance of water, get rid of waste, and houses sensors that detect sensations like pain and temperature.

See the fact file below for more information about the Integumentary System, or you can download our 26-page Integumentary System worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

STRUCTURE AND COMPONENTS

• The integumentary system is like your body’s shield, made up of skin, hair, nails, and glands. 
• The skin is our body’s biggest organ and covers quite a bit of ground, which is around 12 to 15 percent of our weight and about 1.5 to 2 square meters in area. 
• There are three main layers of the integumentary system:
  • Epidermis is the outer layer that keeps water out and fights germs.
  • Dermis is the middle layer with blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
  • Hypodermis is the innermost layer with fat that cushions and keeps you warm.
• All together, these parts form a multitasking team that protects you.

EPIDERMIS

• The epidermis serves as the skin’s tough outer armor, the first line of defense against everything around us.
• It’s made up of different layers, with the stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale making up the layers.
  • Stratum corneum is the top layer of skin made of dead cells that protect against damage from outside.
  • Stratum granulosum is the layer where skin cells start to change shape and produce substances that keep skin moist.
  • Stratum spinosum is the layer where skin cells are connected and help the skin stay strong and flexible.
  • Stratum basale is the bottom layer where new skin cells are made and where skin color comes from.
• When the skin is thicker, like on our palms and soles, there’s an extra layer called the stratum lucidum.
  • Stratum lucidum is the see-through layer in some parts of skin that adds extra protection.
• The epidermis stays strong and healthy because of stem cells in the basal layer that keep making new cells.
• Even though it doesn’t have its blood supply, it gets all its nutrients from the dermis underneath.
• Its main jobs are protecting us, soaking in nutrients, and keeping things balanced.
• Inside, there are different types of cells, like keratinocytes, which make a protein called keratin that toughens up our skin, and melanocytes, which give our skin its color.
• Our nails, which grow from the nail matrix, are also made of keratin.
• Different animals have different types of coverings around their epidermis, like a mucus layer for fish and amphibians or dead cells for land animals like us.
• These coverings protect us and help keep our skin healthy.

DERMIS

• The dermis is the strong foundation supporting our skin’s outer layer, the epidermis.
• It is made of tough connective tissues like dense irregular connective tissue and areolar connective tissue. 
• These tissues are a mix of collagen, which gives strength, and elastin which adds flexibility — all woven together in a network. 
• Within the dermis, there are two main layers: the papillary dermis and the reticular layer. 
  • The papillary layer is the top layer that forms finger-like projections into the epidermis called dermal papillae.
  • It’s filled with tiny blood vessels and loose connective tissue.
• On the other hand, the reticular layer is deeper and consists of a more dense connective tissue, which adds more strength and structure to our skin.
• These layers of the dermis are crucial because they give our skin its stretchiness and flexibility, which allows us to move without it tearing.
• They also help prevent our skin from getting too wrinkled or saggy. 
• The dermis is where blood vessels and nerves end, and it’s where hair, feathers, and glands are anchored.

HYPODERMIS

• The hypodermis, also called the subcutaneous layer, is located beneath the skin.
• It is connected to the dermis above it by strong fibers made of collagen and elastin.
• This layer is mainly made up of fat-storing cells called adipocytes, which are organized into lobules separated by connective tissue. 
• One of the key roles of the hypodermis is storing energy.
• The fats stored in adipocytes can be released into the bloodstream during times of high activity or when the body needs more energy, and they get converted into usable energy.
• Because fat acts as a good insulator, the hypodermis also plays a part in helping regulate body temperature.

FUNCTIONS

• The integumentary system does many important functions for our body, including:
  • Your skin acts like a shield, your body’s first line of defense to stop germs and harmful sun rays from getting inside.
  • It acts like a natural thermostat, helping to keep our body temperature just right by sweating when we’re hot and conserving heat when we’re cold.
  • Your skin is important for sensory perception as it is a sensitive organ which allows you to feel everything from a gentle breeze to a sharp pinch, or when something is too hot or too cold.
  • Sweat is the skin’s way of getting rid of waste and toxins from your body.
  • Key to immune defense, your skin can fight off germs and infections, acting like a protective barrier that keeps you healthy.
  • When you’re out in the sun, your skin makes vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and a healthy immune system.
  • Your hair, skin color, and nails are part of what makes your appearance and identity unique.

COMMON DISORDERS AND DISEASES

• Here are some common issues that can affect your skin, hair, nails, and related glands:
  • Acne, which happens when your pores get clogged with oil and dead skin, can cause pimples and redness, especially during teenage years.
  • Eczema makes your skin red, itchy, and sometimes swollen and is often linked to allergies or irritants.
  • Dermatitis is when your skin gets inflamed, like with contact dermatitis from allergens or irritants.
  • Rosacea causes redness and acne-like bumps on the face.
  • Psoriasis makes your skin grow too fast, leading to thick, scaly patches that can be itchy and uncomfortable.
  • Athlete’s foot and ringworm are common fungal infections that can make your skin itchy and red.
  • There’s a risk of developing skin cancer when exposed to too much sun without necessary sun protection.
  • Hair loss can happen due to genetics, hormones, or other reasons and can be managed with treatments like lifestyle changes or medications.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

• Here are some simple ways to keep your integumentary system in good shape:
  • Avoid harsh soaps and hot water that can dry out your skin. 
  • Keep your skin hydrated with a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when going outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Wear hats and sunglasses for extra protection. 
  • Use gentle shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
  • Keep your nails clean and trimmed to avoid infections.

Integumentary System Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Integumentary System across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Integumentary System. The purpose of this system also goes beyond protection because it helps regulate body temperature, maintain the right balance of water, get rid of waste, and houses sensors that detect sensations like pain and temperature.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Integumentary System Facts
2. Truth or Tantrum
3. Match Master
4. Skin Savvy Search
5. Skin Scrutiny
6. Epidermal Expedition
7. Derma Drama
8. Care Do’s and Don’ts
9. Skin Cell POV
10. Presentation Journal
11. Skin Lab Explorer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the integumentary system?

The integumentary system is the body system comprised of the skin and its appendages, including hair, nails, and glands. Its primary functions are protection, sensation, regulation of temperature, and the synthesis of vitamin D.

What are the layers of the skin?

The skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the outermost layer, providing waterproofing and protection. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains blood vessels, nerves, and appendages such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The hypodermis is the deepest layer and consists mainly of fat and connective tissue.

What are the functions of the skin?

The skin serves multiple functions, including protection against physical, chemical, and microbial damage, regulation of body temperature through sweat production and blood vessel dilation/constriction, sensation of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain, synthesis of vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, and excretion of waste products through sweat.

How does the skin protect the body?

The skin acts as a physical barrier, preventing the entry of pathogens and harmful substances. It also produces antimicrobial substances such as sweat, sebum, and antimicrobial peptides, which help inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin’s surface. Additionally, the skin’s acidic pH inhibits the growth of many microbes.

What are some common disorders of the integumentary system?

Common disorders of the integumentary system include acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot), and bacterial infections (such as impetigo). Additionally, conditions like alopecia (hair loss) and nail disorders can affect the integumentary system’s appendages.

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