ASSIGNMENT 1

An examination of four anatomical systems in relation to complementary therapy



An examination of four anatomical systems in relation to complementary therapy

Examination of how the integumentary and endocrine systems function

Integumentary System

The integumentary system comprises of the skin (cutaneous membrane) and its accessory structures of hair, nails and exocrine glands. There are three layers of skin - epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The cutaneous glands include the sweat glands, oil glands, glands of the ear and the mammary glands. The skin is often known as the largest organ of the body and as the interface with the surroundings it provides protection against the physical hazards such as heat, radiation and abrasion, chemicals and bacteria. Its other important functions are insulation and temperature regulation, sensation and Vitamin D and B synthesis.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a control system of ductless glands that secrete “instant messengers” or hormones that circulate within the body via the bloodstream to affect distant cells within specific organs. Endocrine glands secrete their products immediately into the blood or interstitial fluid, without storage of the chemical. Hormones act as messengers and are carried by the bloodstream to different cells in the body which then interpret the message and act on them. Examples include the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, adrenal gland and the pancreas and gonads.

Examination of the role played by the integumentary and endocrine systems in relation to homeostasis.

The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the body. The skin has an important job of protecting the body and acts as the body's first line of defense against infection, temperature change, and other challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:

Protect the body's internal living tissues and organs

Protect against invasion by infectious organisms

Protect the body from dehydration

Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis

Help excrete waste materials through perspiration

Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory system)

Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin

Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light

Store water, fat, glucose, and vitamin D

Maintenance of the body form

Formation of new cells from stratum germinativum to repair minor injuries

Aid in physical examination as color of the skin may indicate many conditions e.g.it becomes yellowish in jaundice

The endocrine system is a set of ductless glands that regulate the biological processes of the body by producing and releasing hormones. Hormones are extra-cellular signaling molecules that are carried through the blood or work upon neighboring tissues. The hypothalamus is the control center of the endocrine system. Apart from other functions that the hypothalamus performs, it mediates between the nervous and endocrine systems to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the regulation of the internal environment of the body that takes place through several complex biological processes. These processes operate through the autonomic nervous system to neutralize changes that upset metabolic equilibrium.

Maintaining homeostasis is one of the most important functions of the endocrine system. The importance of homeostasis is better understood in light of life system parameters. Humans are endothermic animals that maintain a constant body temperature, versus many other animals ...