Discussion wreek2 reply(maria) anatomy

Maria –week 2 reply

research:

The integumentary system consists of the hair, asking, nails, and glands associated with each. Each portion of this system pertains to its own specific function for the human body. Skin functions as a physical protector from physical trauma and water, aids in the primary production of vitamin d, is the major sensory organ, thermoregulates the body, and allows for nonverbal communication (Saladin, 2020, pg. 175-176). As for hair, it primarily serves as a protector although, depending on hair type and location, it could serve as an aid in the transmission of sexual sents such as in the axillary and genital regions. Two main areas of hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, have been perfectly adapted to protect the eyes. Eyelashes protect the surface of the eyeball from foreign particles and excessive wind and eyebrows reduce sweat droplets from entering the eye. In addition, theories denote them as an aid for facial expression (Saladin, 2020, pg. 186). As most portions of the integumentary system function for protection, nails are observed with a slightly different purpose for most Mammalia. Although they can help reduce the sensitivity of the fingertip due to the lack of nerve endings, nails have long been observed as tools for physical manipulations such as digging, picking, and clawing. In modern medicine, nails are also used as tools for underlying health conditions based on any discoloration of the nailbed (Saladin, 2020, pg. 187) In addition to the unique functionality of nails, the glands within the skin serve unparalleled functions for the human body in comparison to the skin alone. For example, apocrine and eccrine glands are sweat-producing glands that assist in cooling the body via perspiration. Perspiration via sweat glands also protects the body from bacterial infection due to its acidic pH. Another gland of the integumentary system is the ceruminous gland, found within the ear canal, which produces cerumen to protect from foreign particles. Similarly, sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance in order to lubricate, moisturize, and reduce physical trauma to the surface of the skin. Lastly, and more specifically to the female sex of mammalian are the mammary glands, or breasts. These glands serve in the production of milk for offspring, also known as lactation (Saladin, 2020, pg. 188 - 189). It is crucial to remain constantly aware of the conditions of such glands, for it is fairly common for breast cancer to manifest within the mammary epithelium (Perdiguero & Geissmann, 2014). Overall, each fragment of the integumentary system functions accordingly to help establish overall homeostasis within the human body.

Critical Thinking:

Once viewed in a holistic perspective, it is easy to assume that the integumentary system funtions as a whole to serve as vital protection for the human body. Understanding the varying functions of this system shows the importance of taking care of your skin, hair, and nails. In the modern-day, it's typical for markets to advertise and produce products based on beauty standards with low consideration of the effect it may have on the integumentary system’s vital role in protection. As a very important note, skin is capable of absorbing up to 64% of product, so a good role of thumb when choosing what to use on your skin is if you wouldn't eat it, don't wear it!

Perdiguero, E. G., & Geissmann, F. (2014). Identifying the infiltrators. Science, 344(6186), 801-802. doi:10.1126/science.1255117

Saladin, K. (2020). Anatomy & physiology: The unit of form and function (9th ed.). McGraw Hill Education.