Chapter 32, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The contribution of the integumentary system in homeostasis.

Introduction:

The organ system that protects and covers the body is considered as integumentary system. The chief organ of the integumentary system is skin, which consists of four types of tissues. They are epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nerve tissue.

Explanation of Solution

Homeostasis is maintaining a state of steady physical, internal and chemical conditions by living systems. An integumentary system has organs that protect and covers the body. Thus, it also helps in homeostasis. Evaporation causes cooling and this phenomenon is used in summer by our body for temperature regulation. In summer, sweat glands in the skin release sweat which absorbs body heat when it evaporates. In winter, a person gets goosebumps due to the contraction of muscles in a dermis region because of which hair present in the skin stands on end. Fat stored in a subcutaneous layer is also responsible for keeping the human body warm.

Absorption of calcium into the bloodstream is increased by vitamin D which helps in the proper formation of bone. When ultraviolet rays from the sun fall on the skin, the skin responds to these ultraviolet rays by producing vitamin D.

Due to the entry of microorganisms and other foreign particles in the body through skin, it becomes difficult. Skin contains a pigment known as melanin which protects the body from harmful ultraviolet rays by the sun. Skin is the most important sense organ of the body as it gives information regarding all the changes in the surroundings such as pain, pressure and change in temperature.

Conclusion

The integumentary system contributes to homeostasis by regulating the temperature of the body, production of vitamin D with exposure of sunlight and by the pigment melanin which are present in the skin.