ABSTRACT
The integumentary system refers to skin, which consists of the integument proper (cutaneous membrane) and its derivatives (accessory structures). The integument proper is the outermost covering of the whole body, a continuous structure covering the bone, muscles, and internal organs. The cutaneous membrane includes the outer cellular epidermis layer and deeper dermis, as listed in Table 13.1. The epidermis consists of a layer of cells joined at their edges to form a continuous sheet (epithelium) (Figure 13.1). The dermis layer consists of connective tissue (readers are referred to Chapter 18 for
more details), and it cushions the body from stress and strain. Beneath the dermis is the subcutaneous layer, which is known as the investing deep fascia, a type of fibrous ligament-like tissue involved in anchoring the skin to the body (connective tissue). The integumentary accessories include structural elements: hairs, nails, and various glands of the skin (Figure 13.1). The structure of the skin is also maintained by collagen and elastin networks that reside within the epidermis.
