Common integument

Common integument

• The outer coat of the body.
• Protects the body from external influences and act as a barrier between its external and internal environments.
• Formed by skin and subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis).

Skin

• Covers the surface of the body.
• One of the largest organs: the surface area of the skin in an adult is 1,5–2,3 м², weight — up to 6% of body weight (with subcutaneous fat — up to 16%).
• Performs various functions: protective, thermoregulatory, receptor, excretory, metabolic, endocrine, immune.
• Consists of epidermis (outer epithelial layer) and dermis (inner connective tissue layer).
• Forms derivatives (appendages) in the form of glands, hair and nails.

Subcutaneous fascia (hypoderma)

• Is formed by subcutaneous adipose tissue (lobules of white adipose tissue surrounded by layers of loose connective tissue).
• Provides mobility of the skin and its connection with the underlying parts of the body, thermal insulation, as well as the deposition of nutrients, vitamins and hormones.
• The thickness of the layer depends on the area of the body and the state of nutrition.