Integumentary is a very fancy word for skin. It is both our largest organ, as well as one of the most fussed over. From acne to oil to dry patches, humans have continuously battled one of the most misunderstood and underrated components of the human body!
Skin might represent one of the first things you notice when meeting someone for the first time, but its function is far beyond superficial. It has multiple layers designed for protection from infection, helps to regulate body temperature, and helps to excrete wastes via sweat. Aside from the above, skin helps to keep the water we need inside and the water we do not need, outside. Think about what might happen if skin did not act as a protective barrier while soaking in the tub?
Is skin dead? That is a very interesting question as nearly all skin surfaces that we can visualize when looking at someone are dead! This keratinized layer is a tough protein that allows all the above protections to occur. It makes you wonder how many beauty lotion claims are accurate if this is the case!
Informally and based upon what you now understand about the integumentary system, think about the following questions posed. Discuss and, most importantly, debate the “why” of one question that interests you most.
