Integument
What is the Integument also known as?
Integument is also referred to as the integumentary system, skin, or cutaneous membrane. The integumentary system is composed of components such as the skin, hair, and nails.
Is Integument an Organ?
Yes, an integument is an organ. Its sub-components include the skin, hair, nails, mammary glands, sweat glands, etc.
What are the Three Main Functions of Integuments?
The three primary functions of the integuments are protection, regulation of body temperature, and sensory reception. These functions help the organism survive in harsh environmental conditions and against external threats.
What are the Three Main Layers of the Skin?
The skin is made up of the epidermis- the top layer, the dermis- the middle layer, and the hypodermis- the innermost layer.
Is Skin called the Integument?
Yes, the skin is commonly referred to as the integumentary system or integument as the human integumentary system is composed of the skin and its sub-components, including hair, nails, and various glands.
Integument in Biology
An integument is a layer or coating on the surface of an organism. It may cover the whole organism or parts of it, depending upon its nature and need. Integuments can include skin, hair, membrane, cuticle, etc., based on their function. The integument serves as the primary layer that separates underlying tissues & the external environment. The absence of this layer hinders the organism’s capacity to survive and operate.
This article discusses the definition of the integument, the human integumentary system structure, its functions, how the integumentary system works with other systems, the integuments in different organisms, and common integumentary disorders.
Table of Content
- Integument Definition
- What is an Integument?
- Human Integumentary System Structure
- Functions of the Integumentary System
- How does the Integumentary System Work with other Systems?
- Integuments in Invertebrates
- Common Integumentary Disorders
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