The Integumentary System Mrs Higgins LVT Locust Trace

The Integumentary System Mrs. Higgins, LVT Locust Trace Agriscience Center Veterinary Assistant Program

Integumentary…. . skin! • Consists of: • • • Skin glands hair, fur wool feathers scales claws beaks horns hooves nails • Functions: • • water proofs prevents fluid loss temperature regulation vitamin D synthesis

Purpose • Skin covers the external surfaces of the body. • Skin is composed of epithelial tissue also known as epithelium

Skin Stratification • • 3 layers: Epidermis (E) Dermis (F) Subcutaneous (G)

Epidermis • Contains keratin (waterproofing properties) • Melanocytes= black pigment • Melanin: protects skin from harmful rays

Dermis • Layer directly deep to the epidermis • Composed of • blood and lymph vessels • nerve fibers • accessory organs of the skin

Subcutaneous layer • • • Also known as the hypodermis Deep to the dermis Composed of connective tissue Large amount of fat/lipid Adipocytes are fat cells that produce lipid

Accessories: Glands Two main categories: Sebaceous and sudoriferous • Sebaceous= secrete oily substance • Oily substance called sebum • Located in the dermis • Closely associated with hair follicles • Sebum released from gland thru duct that open into hair follicles

Accessories: Glands • Sudoriferous glands (sweat glands) • Located in the dermis • Produce and secrete water, salt, and waste • Help regulate body temperature • Modified sweat glands: ceruminous • located in the ear canal, secrete serum, commonly called ear wax!

Accessories: Hair • Rod like fibers made from dead protein cells filled with keratin • Hair shaft • Portion of hair extending beyond the skin surface and is composed of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Accessories: Hair • Arrector pili • Tiny muscle attached to the hair follicle that causes the hair to stand erect in response to cold temp or stress • Piloerection • Raising the hackles

Accessories: Nails, claws, and hooves • Nails • Dogs and cats have sensitive tissue known as the quick inside each nail • Contains blood vessels and nerve endings

Diagnostic Procedures • • Biopsy Intradermal skin testing Skin scrape Tissue culture

Conditions of the skin Too many to list!!!!! From acne to seborrhea The list goes on and on!