4.1 Structure and Function of the Integumentary System

• The integumentary has all four primary tissue types:

  • epithelium covers the surface
  • underlying connective tissues make it strong and resilient
  • smooth muscle tissue controls blood vessel diameters and the position of hairs
  • nervous tissue controls smooth muscle and monitors receptors
• Major components of the integumentary system:

  • cutaneous membrane and accessory structures
• Skin is the largest organ in the body
• Skin consists of:

  • epidermis (superficial epithelium)
  • dermis (underlying connective tissue)
• Deep to the dermis is the hypodermis also known as the superficial fascia, with loose connective tissue of subcutaneous later, separates from deep fascia
• Explain how the four tissue types is a component.

  Epithelium covers the surface, underlying connective tissue makes it strong and resilient, smooth muscle tissue controls blood vessel diameter and position of hairs, nervous tissue controls smooth muscle and receptor.