integumentary system

The integumentary system in our bodies is...wait for it.....our skin!

Yes the skin on your body is the integumentary system. It protects our bodies from the outside world. The air, the bugs in the world, and even the sun.

The epidermis is the top layer. It is completely dead skin. The skin is like a onion. It has many layers. Each layer rises and the dead skin is the top layer that is rubbed off. Interesting/ disturbing fact that I learned was you would have to wash your bed sheets everyday to get rid of the skin flakes that are rubbed off in your sleep.

Now the major layer in your integumentary system is the dermis. It holds major functions such as the the sweat glands and nerve endings. Also within this layer, are the capillaries. Another interesting fact is, when you lay in the sun (if fair skin you can see it the best) and you feel your skin heat up, it is your skin releasing the heat. The capillaries have expanded, making your skin seem red and is releasing the heat that is stored in your skin. It is acting as a refrigerator.

Now onto the fun part of this post. Skin diseases ....

Not all of them are dangerous but there are some that are life threatening. Such as... the bubonic plague (more commonly known as the black plague).

Which is caused by these little buggers

 Which ride on these guys

Who stow away on boats and the flea jumps to people. Thus transferring the bacterial infection which caused painful swelling of the lymph nodes in your system and making them burst open from the overload of puss and blood. There are three types of the "plague". Not all of them have the swelling though so be careful.