Integumentary System(IS)
This review section is about the integumentary system and is intended for the massage therapist for aid in passing the national certification tests.
Integumentary system - What structures do the integumentary system (IS) include? Skin and it’s appendages. Those appendages are hair, nails, and skin glands. The meaning of integumentary is skin. The principle organ of the integumentary system is skin. The sheet like structures of the integumentary system are called membranes. Membranes cover and protect the body surface, line body cavities and cover the inner surface of hallow organs in the body. Membranes anchor organs to each other and well as anchor organs to bones, and cover internal organs. Membranes also secrete lubricating fluids that reduce friction during organ movements, and secrete lubricating fluids that decrease friction between bones and joints. There are two types of membranes in the body Epithelial and connective membranes.
There are three types of Epithelial membranes in body they are cutaneous, serous, and mucous. The primary organ of the integumentary system is also called the cutaneous membrane as well as skin, and it’s considered the largest organ of the body. The cutaneous membrane is a superficial layer of the epithelial cells and underlying area of supportive connective tissue. The serous membrane is the epithelial membrane composed of two layers of tissue known as parietal and visceral. The epithelial sheet of serous membrane is a thin layer of simple squamous epithelium.
The connective tissue layer of serous membrane is a thin layer of serous membrane which forms a very thin, glue-like basement membrane that holds and supports the epithelial cells. The serous membrane that lines the walls of body cavities is called parietal membrane, while the serous membrane that covers the surface of organs found in the body cavities is called visceral. The specialized serous membrane that covers the thoracic cavity is called the pleura. The specialized serous membrane that covers the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. Serous membranes secrete a thin, watery fluid that helps reduce friction and servers as a lubricant when organs rub together and against cavity walls. This allows us to be flexible and stretch in various directions without injuring various internal organs.
