THE CHAPTER 4: THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The Integumentary system is composed of the skin, hair, sebaceous and sweat glands, hooves, chestnuts, ergots, and sensory receptors. Functions of this system include:
Thermoregulation : helps maintain a constant body temperature
Heat – evaporation, convection, radiation/vasodilation, conduction
Cold – insulation, vasoconstriction, shivering
Protection : protects the body against weather, injury/infection, dehydration
Sensation : provides sensory input to the CNS
Excretion : sweat, oils, pheromones, waste products etc.
Absorption : ADEK, O2, medications, poisons, etc.
Synthesis of vitamin D : from sun exposure, enhances calcium absorption
Immunological: immune responses occur mainly in the skin, natural pH of skin inhibits growth of certain micro-organisms
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