integument system

INTEGUMENT 1. Integument - a natural outer covering or coat, such as the skin or a membrane enclosing an organ 2. Protection - skin serves as a protective barrier from mechanical injury and penetration of harmful chemicals Defense - first line of defense against any disease organism Prevention of Dehydration - immersed in an internal sea carefully regulated, dilute salt, solution that is essential to life Maintenance of Body Temperature - by sweating it helps regulate the …

…brought up to the surface of the skin along the hair shaft. In hairless areas, the sebum comes out through ducts. Sebum lubricates and protects the hair and skin, and prevents drying and irritation of membranes. Sebum may collect excessively as a result of poor hygiene, a diet rich in fats, or accelerated glandular activity, especially during adolescence. Excessive secretions of sebum may be related to acne, certain forms of baldness, and other skin disorders.