Organ Systems

Organ Systems

Debra Wingate

HS120-05, Section #1104C

Unit 9 Final Project

Kaplan University

October 25, 2011

The integumentary system is made up of the skin and accessory organs including the hair, nails, various glands and receptors. “Integument is another name for skin, and the skin itself is the principal organ of the integumentary system”. (Thibodeau & Patton 2008) The skin is part of a group of membranes. Membranes are thin sheet like structures that have various functions, which are very important in the body. Membranes are not only a protective covering for the body surface, but also cover inside our organs. The connective tissue and epithelial membranes are the two major types of membranes in our body.

There are three different types of epithelial tissue membranes in the body; the cutaneous membrane, the serous membrane and the mucous membrane. The cutaneous membrane is not only the largest, visible organ, but one of the most important ones in the integumentary system. The cutaneous membrane, which is also known as the skin, works to keep out foreign germs and bacteria and has the capability to heal itself when injured. The serous membrane is two distinct layers of tissue that covers the surface of organs and lines body cavities. The membrane which lines the body cavities is called the parietal portion, while the membrane which covers the surface of organs is called the visceral portion. The serous membrane serves as a lubricant to help reduce friction which can be caused by the organs rubbing against one another. The mucous membranes line the body surfaces opening directly to the exterior. The digestive and respiratory systems as well as the urinary and reproductive tracts are examples of mucous membranes. These membranes secrete thick slimy mucus that helps keep the membranes moist and soft.

The connective tissue membranes do not contain epithelial components and line the spaces between the joints and bones. These membranes secrete...