Question

What activities can help demonstrate how the integumentary helps maintain homeostasis within the body?

Answer 1

Hint: The tendency or capability of an organism to maintain or achieve a constant state of the internal environment is called Homeostasis. It is managed by the- nervous and endocrine systems in mammals.

Complete answer:
The organ system that protects our body from dehydration, temperature or pH change, or various outer damages is called the integumentary system. This system comprises of skin and its appendages. The skin appendages include- hair, nails, glands (sweat glands, mammary glands, subcutaneous glands, etc.), scales, feathers, nerves, etc.

The main functions of the integumentary system are-
A.Protection
B.Sensation
C.Temperature regulation
D.Providing immunity
E.Excretion of a few substances
F.Movement of muscles
G.Vitamins production, etc.

The tendency of an organism to achieve a stable state of the internal environment despite the changing external conditions is called homeostasis. The integumentary system also helps to maintain the internal environment of an organism in multiple ways.

1.When the temperature of the body increases, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the sweat glands. These glands produce sweat or release water to the skin. The water evaporates from the skin and lowers down the temperature of the body.
2.The skin is hydrophobic in nature as it is made of keratin and glycolipids. This hydrophobic structure prohibits the movement of water. This prevents the loss of water or dehydration of the body.
3.The sweat produced from the sweat glands- helps in the elimination of excess water, salts, and dead cells from the body. The removal of extra and toxic substances maintains the internal environment.
4.The skin has sensory nerves present in its epidermis that senses and transmits external damage like heat, pain, shock, and other external stimulations to the nervous system. The nervous system takes effective measures to prevent our body from these uncomfortable conditions.
5.The blood vessels in the skin transport the oxygen to the skin and take back waste products. These vessels also help in the regulation of temperature.
6.The skin also acts as a barrier and prevents the entry of microorganisms inside the body.

Note: The immune cells present in our skin acts as the first line of defense in our body. They prevent the entry of microorganisms or invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The skin also produces vitamin D when sunlight penetrates through our skin.