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Mikenzy Davis
12/3/2025
Health
integumentary system notes
137
•
Dec 3, 2025
•
Mikenzy Davis
@mikenzydavis_uvfl
The integumentary system is your body's protective outer layer, comprising... Show more
The skin consists of two main layers with distinct functions. The epidermis forms the outer layer, made of stratified squamous epithelium, while the thicker dermis beneath contains connective tissues with collagenous and elastic fibers that allow the skin to stretch and recoil.
Below the dermis lies the subcutaneous layer (hypodermis), which isn't technically part of the skin. This layer consists primarily of adipose tissue that provides insulation and houses larger blood vessels.
The basement membrane creates an important boundary between the epidermis and dermis, controlling what passes between these layers. Various structures populate these layers, including hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and specialized nerve endings.
Did you know? Despite being just a few millimeters thick, your skin accounts for about 15% of your total body weight and contains over 1,000 nerve endings per square inch!
The epidermis consists primarily of keratinocytes that produce fibrous keratin. These cells are tightly connected by desmosomes and continuously migrate upward as they age, with millions sloughing off every day. As they move away from nutrient supplies at the base, they begin to flatten and die.
Four specialized cell types inhabit the epidermis. Melanocytes are spider-shaped cells located in the deepest epidermis that produce the pigment melanin. Melanosomes transfer this pigment to keratinocytes, protecting cell nuclei from UV damage. Dendritic (Langerhans) cells are star-shaped macrophages that patrol the epidermis and activate immune responses. Tactile (Merkel) cells function as sensory receptors that detect touch.
The epidermis lacks blood vessels, so its deepest layers must be nourished by blood vessels in the dermis. This relationship highlights how the skin layers work together despite their structural differences.
Remember: The epidermis is constantly renewing itself! A keratinocyte takes about 27 days to journey from the deepest layer to being shed from the surface.
The epidermis consists of multiple distinct layers, each with specific functions. The stratum basale (or germinativum) forms the deepest layer where cell division occurs. This mitotic layer continuously produces new keratinocytes that begin their journey upward.
Moving outward, we find the stratum spinosum, followed by the stratum granulosum where cells begin to die and fill with keratin granules. The stratum lucidum appears only in thick skin areas like palms and soles, providing extra protection where needed.
The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, consists entirely of dead, keratinized cells that form a protective barrier against environmental threats. This layered structure creates a gradual transition from living, dividing cells to the tough protective shield at the surface.
Fascinating fact: The thickness of your epidermis varies dramatically across your body - from just 0.05mm on your eyelids to 1.5mm on the soles of your feet!
The dermis contains numerous specialized structures that contribute to skin function. Hair follicles anchor hairs to the skin, while attached arrector pili muscles can make hair stand on end when contracted. Sebaceous glands produce oil that waterproofs hair and skin, and sweat glands help regulate body temperature.
Various nervous structures populate the dermis, including sensory nerve fibers with specialized endings. Tactile corpuscles detect light touch, while lamellar corpuscles respond to pressure and vibration. The hair root plexus senses movement of hair shafts.
The dermal vascular plexus provides essential blood supply to all skin structures. This network of blood vessels not only nourishes the skin but also plays a key role in temperature regulation by dilating or constricting to control heat loss.
Think about it: Every time you feel a gentle breeze on your skin or the warmth of the sun, it's these specialized dermis structures sending signals to your brain!
The dermis, measuring 1-2mm thick, serves as the skin's foundation, binding the epidermis to underlying tissues and housing most skin appendages. This connective tissue layer contains muscle fibers, nerve processes, hair follicles, and various glands, making it functionally complex.
Importantly, the dermis contains dermal blood vessels that supply nutrients to all skin cells, including the avascular epidermis above it. Specialized sensory receptors in the dermis include lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles that detect pressure and tactile (Meissner's) corpuscles that sense light touch.
The dermis consists of two distinct layers with different characteristics. The superficial papillary layer contains areolar connective tissue and forms dermal papillae that interdigitate with epidermal ridges, increasing the surface area between layers. The deeper reticular layer contains dense irregular connective tissue and provides most of the dermis's thickness and strength.
Pro tip: When studying the dermis, think of it as the skin's "engine room" - while the epidermis forms the protective barrier, the dermis handles most of the skin's active functions!
Skin color results from three different pigments, but melanin is the only pigment actually produced within the skin. Specialized cells called melanocytes manufacture melanin and package it into melanosomes that are transferred to keratinocytes, where they shield DNA from damaging UV radiation.
Melanin exists in two main forms ranging from reddish-yellow to brownish-black. The differences in skin color among individuals primarily result from variations in the amount and type of melanin rather than the number of melanocytes, which remains relatively constant across all skin tones.
Sun exposure triggers increased melanin production as a protective mechanism, resulting in tanning. Localized accumulations of melanin appear as freckles or pigmented moles on the skin's surface, representing areas of concentrated pigmentation.
Consider this: Melanin is your body's natural sunscreen! When you tan, your skin is actually trying to protect you by creating a shield against harmful UV radiation.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Mikenzy Davis
@mikenzydavis_uvfl
The integumentary system is your body's protective outer layer, comprising the skin and its derivatives like hair, nails, and glands. As the largest organ by weight, the skin plays crucial roles in protection, sensation, and temperature regulation. Understanding its structure... Show more
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The skin consists of two main layers with distinct functions. The epidermis forms the outer layer, made of stratified squamous epithelium, while the thicker dermis beneath contains connective tissues with collagenous and elastic fibers that allow the skin to stretch and recoil.
Below the dermis lies the subcutaneous layer (hypodermis), which isn't technically part of the skin. This layer consists primarily of adipose tissue that provides insulation and houses larger blood vessels.
The basement membrane creates an important boundary between the epidermis and dermis, controlling what passes between these layers. Various structures populate these layers, including hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and specialized nerve endings.
Did you know? Despite being just a few millimeters thick, your skin accounts for about 15% of your total body weight and contains over 1,000 nerve endings per square inch!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The epidermis consists primarily of keratinocytes that produce fibrous keratin. These cells are tightly connected by desmosomes and continuously migrate upward as they age, with millions sloughing off every day. As they move away from nutrient supplies at the base, they begin to flatten and die.
Four specialized cell types inhabit the epidermis. Melanocytes are spider-shaped cells located in the deepest epidermis that produce the pigment melanin. Melanosomes transfer this pigment to keratinocytes, protecting cell nuclei from UV damage. Dendritic (Langerhans) cells are star-shaped macrophages that patrol the epidermis and activate immune responses. Tactile (Merkel) cells function as sensory receptors that detect touch.
The epidermis lacks blood vessels, so its deepest layers must be nourished by blood vessels in the dermis. This relationship highlights how the skin layers work together despite their structural differences.
Remember: The epidermis is constantly renewing itself! A keratinocyte takes about 27 days to journey from the deepest layer to being shed from the surface.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The epidermis consists of multiple distinct layers, each with specific functions. The stratum basale (or germinativum) forms the deepest layer where cell division occurs. This mitotic layer continuously produces new keratinocytes that begin their journey upward.
Moving outward, we find the stratum spinosum, followed by the stratum granulosum where cells begin to die and fill with keratin granules. The stratum lucidum appears only in thick skin areas like palms and soles, providing extra protection where needed.
The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, consists entirely of dead, keratinized cells that form a protective barrier against environmental threats. This layered structure creates a gradual transition from living, dividing cells to the tough protective shield at the surface.
Fascinating fact: The thickness of your epidermis varies dramatically across your body - from just 0.05mm on your eyelids to 1.5mm on the soles of your feet!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The dermis contains numerous specialized structures that contribute to skin function. Hair follicles anchor hairs to the skin, while attached arrector pili muscles can make hair stand on end when contracted. Sebaceous glands produce oil that waterproofs hair and skin, and sweat glands help regulate body temperature.
Various nervous structures populate the dermis, including sensory nerve fibers with specialized endings. Tactile corpuscles detect light touch, while lamellar corpuscles respond to pressure and vibration. The hair root plexus senses movement of hair shafts.
The dermal vascular plexus provides essential blood supply to all skin structures. This network of blood vessels not only nourishes the skin but also plays a key role in temperature regulation by dilating or constricting to control heat loss.
Think about it: Every time you feel a gentle breeze on your skin or the warmth of the sun, it's these specialized dermis structures sending signals to your brain!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The dermis, measuring 1-2mm thick, serves as the skin's foundation, binding the epidermis to underlying tissues and housing most skin appendages. This connective tissue layer contains muscle fibers, nerve processes, hair follicles, and various glands, making it functionally complex.
Importantly, the dermis contains dermal blood vessels that supply nutrients to all skin cells, including the avascular epidermis above it. Specialized sensory receptors in the dermis include lamellated (Pacinian) corpuscles that detect pressure and tactile (Meissner's) corpuscles that sense light touch.
The dermis consists of two distinct layers with different characteristics. The superficial papillary layer contains areolar connective tissue and forms dermal papillae that interdigitate with epidermal ridges, increasing the surface area between layers. The deeper reticular layer contains dense irregular connective tissue and provides most of the dermis's thickness and strength.
Pro tip: When studying the dermis, think of it as the skin's "engine room" - while the epidermis forms the protective barrier, the dermis handles most of the skin's active functions!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Skin color results from three different pigments, but melanin is the only pigment actually produced within the skin. Specialized cells called melanocytes manufacture melanin and package it into melanosomes that are transferred to keratinocytes, where they shield DNA from damaging UV radiation.
Melanin exists in two main forms ranging from reddish-yellow to brownish-black. The differences in skin color among individuals primarily result from variations in the amount and type of melanin rather than the number of melanocytes, which remains relatively constant across all skin tones.
Sun exposure triggers increased melanin production as a protective mechanism, resulting in tanning. Localized accumulations of melanin appear as freckles or pigmented moles on the skin's surface, representing areas of concentrated pigmentation.
Consider this: Melanin is your body's natural sunscreen! When you tan, your skin is actually trying to protect you by creating a shield against harmful UV radiation.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
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