Overview

The integumentary system, or skin, represents the interface between the internal body and the external environment.  As such, the primary role of skin is protection.  This includes protection from physical insults, including UV light, as well as providing a barrier to pathogens.  In addition, the skin is crucial to an animal’s thermoregulation, sensing of its environment, and energy and metabolic functions.

The skin is composed of three primary components: Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous tissue (also known as the hypodermis or subcutis).